Religious Education

The Religious Education curriculum forms an important part of our school’s spiritual, moral and social teaching. It also promotes education for citizenship. Religious Education is part of the basic curriculum but not part of the National Curriculum because it is taught in accordance with a locally agreed syllabus (in our case the RE Agreed Syllabus for Cheshire East 2022) and it meets all the requirements set out in that document. The Education Reform Act states that the RE syllabus should reflect the fact that the religious traditions in Great Britain are in the main Christian and that it should, at the same time, take account of the teachings and practices of other major religions.

Intention It is the intent at Ivy Bank Primary School for Religious Education to be taught in all year groups through at least one topic each half term. (See Whole School Overview) Across the school, we also raise the profile of Religious Education through our enrichment events such as World Religion Day each January, visits from local churches and of religious leaders such as local Pastor Gary Holdcroft, Ann Angel and Imran to lead assemblies and workshops. It is the intent that the knowledge and skills of this curriculum are progressive, thereby building on previous learning.

Implementation

Religious Education will be taught throughout the school, mainly by the class teacher. Religious Education may be taught in a whole class setting but with flexibility to allow for discussion, questioning and reflection in small groups and individually. RE may be taught in designated regular RE lessons or in blocks/through RE days. Visitors and visits to local places of worship will be integrated into the appropriate areas of study across the school, as possible.

	EYFS 2 Within EYFS, we aim to provide opportunities to develop children’s knowledge and understanding of Christianity and how the beliefs of others impacts on their lives and the lives of others.

	Key Stage 1 Within Key Stage 1, we aim to provide opportunities to develop children’s knowledge and understanding of Christianity and Judaism and how the beliefs of others impacts on their lives and the lives of others. This also incorporates cross-religious topics with Islam and secular or non-religious worldviews.

	Key Stage 2 Within Key Stage 2, we aim to provide opportunities to develop children’s knowledge and understanding of Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism and Buddhism and how the beliefs of others impacts on their lives and the lives of others. This also includes secular or non-religious worldviews.

The Owlery The Owlery children have a rich diet of RE but this cannot be placed under an ‘RE umbrella'. Extra RE work is included around times of festivals, eg. Diwali.

Throughout the school, we teach children to ask and reflect on challenging questions and provide opportunities for personal reflection where children can explore their own beliefs, including secular views. All children are encouraged to appreciate and respect the different cultures in today’s society.  Wherever possible, teaching includes real lived experience.