Asquith Primary School- Religious Education Overview

At Asquith Primary we follow the Leeds Agreed Syllabus when considering the teachings of RE. This ensures our children are taught a wide curriculum, enabling them to understand and support the multi-cultural society that we belong to. By recognising other faiths, cultures and traditions the children of Asquith Primary are becoming ambassadors of equality who are sociable and considerate members of society. Our carefully sequenced lessons enable pupils to understand and develop into citizens of the world. We build strong foundations in our EYFS, support and challenge pupils on their journey through our school, ultimately ensuring that they are equipped with the skills and knowledge that they will need to succeed in the future and be citizens of tomorrow’s world. Our curriculum is underpinned by 5 golden threads: High aspirations for all, Fostering resilience, Embedding key skills, Respecting diversity and Creating global citizens- we aim to ensure that all our children have a strong view of equality, which in turn we know they will succeed throughout their lives as global citizens.

Intent

At Asquith Primary we believe that studying world religions enables people from all walks of life to live and work together. Through the RE curriculum, children develop knowledge of the beliefs and practices of the religions and world views which shape history and culture. They gain an understanding of the ways of life which are present in our local community and in the wider world.

Children are given opportunities to explore their thoughts and feelings about the knowledge they encounter and reflect on how it is similar and different to their own views and beliefs. Children consider how religious beliefs affect a person’s actions and can have a positive impact on the world.

Our RE curriculum helps pupils to develop their own sense of identity and belonging, helping them to find their place in their community. It teaches respect for others and helps to challenge prejudices. We encourage understanding, cooperation, empathy, wisdom and compassion. Through becoming confident in their own beliefs, they will learn to respect religious and cultural differences and make their own positive impact on their community and the wider world.

Through the teaching of Religious Education (RE), we aim to give our children:

• the knowledge and understanding of a range of religions and other world views
• the opportunity to develop their own ideas, values and identities.

Our RE curriculum provides a safe environment for all children, irrespective of background or beliefs, to:

• explore other people’s views and practices
• ask questions.speak and be listened to
• develop tolerance, respect, empathy and inquisitiveness about our multi-cultural and religiously diverse wider society in line with our whole school sharing of British values.
  

Implementation

All schools are required by law to teach RE at Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 and at Asquith Primary School we follow the Leeds Agreed Syllabus (Believing and Belonging).

To achieve a broad and balanced curriculum, the syllabus is built around three aims. 

RE should ensure that all pupils:

• investigate the beliefs and practices of religions and other world views.
• investigate how religions and other world views address questions of meaning, purpose and value.
• investigate how religions and other world views influence morality, identity and diversity.

RE is taught flexibly through weekly lessons, theme days, topics, assemblies, blocked pieces of work to fit with our school curriculum and our Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development, as well as key dates and celebrations.

We:

• Teach Christianity in every year group and another five world faiths: Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism alongside an understanding of non-religious approaches to life.
• Foster attributes such as truthfulness, kindness, understanding of right and wrong, fairness, humility and respect for, and tolerance of, the beliefs, customs and cultures of others.
• Support the development of children’s knowledge of religious and non-religious beliefs and worldviews, practices and ways of life and enable children to make links between these.
• Develop children’s knowledge and understanding of the different members of our rich and diverse community. Knowledge and skills are supported by first-hand experiences.
• Ensure that knowledge and skills are mapped to support children’s understanding of religion and faith.
• Support positive attitudes and values and encourage children to reflect and relate learning to their own experience.

Impact

Children are often involved in presenting and helping in assembly as are local church representatives and members of the local community.  Children learn that there are those who do not hold religious beliefs and have their own philosophical perspectives, as part of its commitment to ensure mutual respect and tolerance for those with different faiths. Parents have the right to withdraw their children from the whole or part of religious education and collective worship.  Any parent wishing to exercise the right, must apply in writing and should please discuss the matter with the school first. Arrangements for alternative provision for children can be discussed and agreed on an individual basis.

Places to Visit

Local Places of Worship:St Peter’s Church Morley: https://www.stpetersmorley.org/

Church of the Nazarene/New Life & Joy   https://website--29284722768120170275-church.business.site/

Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses https://www.jw.org/en/

Newlands Methodist Church https://newlandsmethodistmission.com/

Guru Gobind Singh Gurdwara: https://www.bradfordgurdwara.com/

Bradford Grand Mosque: https://www.bradfordgrandmosque.co.uk/