Asquith Primary School- Religious Education Overview
Growing to succeed - Religious Education The Asquith Way
'Religions are different roads converging to the same point. What does it matter that we take different roads, as long as we reach the same goal.'
Ghandi, Civil Rights Activist
'It is exciting to learn about all the religions across the world.'
Asquith Pupil
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:
Our RE curriculum provides a safe environment for all children, irrespective of background or beliefs, to:
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:
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:
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.
Linked Texts:
EYFS- Baby Birds by Gill Vaisey
KS1- Sophie and The New Baby by Catherine and Anholt Laurence
KS2- My Life as a Jew by Trevor Guy
KS2- Every Picture Tells a Story by Christine Howard
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/