William Shrewsbury Primary School

RE

Religious Education at William Shrewsbury Primary School.

We believe that RE is an important part of a child’s education because it allows young people to develop their beliefs and values. Having a broad RE curriculum means that we are able to develop a culturally diverse understanding of everyone in our community and beyond. We believe it contributes educationally to the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of all pupils, whether they are from a religious background or not. 

Our Religious Education curriculum develops essential characteristics of religiously literate pupils:

  • An outstanding level of religious understanding and knowledge.
  • A thorough engagement with a range of ultimate questions about the meaning and significance of existence.
  • The ability to ask significant and highly reflective questions about religion and demonstrate an excellent understanding of issues related to the nature, truth and value of religion.
  • A strong understanding of how the beliefs, values, practices and ways of life within any religion cohere together.
  • Exceptional independence; the ability to think for themselves and take the initiative in, for example, asking questions, carrying out investigations, evaluating ideas and working constructively with others.
  • Significant levels of originality, imagination or creativity, which are shown in their responses to their learning in RE.
  • The ability to link the study of religion and belief to personal reflections on meaning and purpose.
  • A wide knowledge and deep understanding across a wide range of religions and beliefs.

 

How Religious Education is taught at William Shrewsbury Primary School.

The RE curriculum is designed to help pupils form a thorough Religious Education knowledge and understanding.

Our RE curriculum is based around our own core school values of honesty, respect, trying our best, being helpful and being kind. We link the RE taught to our our school values to help the children's understanding. 

At William Shrewsbury, we are an inclusive community that embraces all differences and diversities. We use RE to promote and celebrate the similarities and differences that exist within the world through understanding, questioning and in healthy discussions. 

We encourage RE lessons to be taught in a variety of different ways. We use drama, art, discussions, ICT, 'active learning', reading, writing and presentations (amongst others) to deliver our curriculum as we believe all children learn in different ways and RE should be accessible to all.

 

Religious Education Trips, Visitors and Workshops

We strongly believe that trips, visitors and workshops are highly valuable for developing a deep understanding of the Big Ideas in Religious Education and bringing the subject to life. Examples of how we have provided children with hands on authentic experiences of the diversity of religion within the wider community are as follows:

  • Trips to our local church.
  • Derby 'Faith Walk'.
  • Visits from religious leaders such as a speaker from the local Jewish community and our local Christian Vicar.
  • DT Workshops to showcase different religious festivals.

At William Shrewsbury, we benefit from a very diverse faith school community.  During our RE lessons, teachers offer opportunities for pupils to encounter an authentic voice of faith and belief.  This means that we encourage dialogue between pupils and praise those who want to share their own unique and personal religious experiences.  This is particularly beneficial when pupils teach their classmates about particular religious traditions or festivals.  Here, our pupils become the “experts” and we believe that this can not only raise self-esteem but also give a positive image of each faith and enhance the quality of learning in RE.  We can also welcome members of our school community, including parents and relatives, to come and speak to our classes about a particular RE topic.

We are always looking to improve our community links and diversity. If you can help, or know someone who can, please email us with the details. office@williamshrewsbury.com 

Religious Education at Home

 If you would like to support children at home you could visit:

  • Religious buildings, many welcome visitors.
  • Ask your child about their Religious education learning-they will have lots to tell you!