Religious Education

Intent

Pembury Primary School follows the Kent Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education (RE) 2022–2027. Within this is a balance between learning the principles of key faiths and religions, comparing different religious principles and discussing them with regard to each child’s worldview. Not everyone belongs to a religion, and faith is a very personal thing, but everyone has a worldview they can draw on and discuss.

The principal aim of RE in the Kent Syllabus is to:

Engage pupils in systematic enquiry into significant human questions which religion and worldviews address, that they can develop the understanding and skills needed to appreciate and appraise varied responses to these questions, as well as develop responses of their own.

The curriculum for RE aims to ensure that all pupils: 

1. Know about and understand a range of religious and non-religious worldviews, so that they can: 

• describe, explain and analyse beliefs and practices, recognising the diversity which exists within and between communities and amongst individuals 
• identify, investigate and respond to questions posed, and responses offered, by some of the sources of wisdom found in religious and non-religious worldviews 
• appreciate and appraise the nature, significance and impact of different ways of life and ways of expressing meaning. 

2. Express ideas and insights about the nature, significance and impact of religious and non-religious worldviews, so that they can: 

• explain, using reasoned arguments, their ideas about how beliefs, practices and forms of expression influence individuals and communities 
• express with increasing discernment their personal reflections and critical responses to questions and teachings about identity, diversity, meaning and value, including ethical issues 
• appreciate and appraise varied dimensions of religion. 

3. Gain and deploy the skills needed to engage seriously with religious and non-religious worldviews, so that they can: 

• investigate key concepts and questions of belonging, meaning, purpose and truth, responding creatively 
• enquire into what enables different individuals and communities to live together respectfully for the wellbeing of all 
• articulate clearly beliefs, values and commitments in order to explain why they may be important in their own and other people’s lives.

Worldviews taught:

The following religious traditions are studied in depth at Pembury Primary:

4-5s (Reception)	Children will encounter Christians and people of other faiths, as part of their growing sense of self, their own community and their place within it.
5-7s (Key Stage 1)	Christians and Muslims
7-11s (Key Stage 2)	Christians, Muslims, Hindus and Jewish people

Implementation

As in all areas of the curriculum, children learn best through lively, varied and creative teaching, which use a variety of teaching styles. Throughout a unit of work, there are opportunities for some or all of the following activities:

• Studying religious texts or stories
• Use of ICT for research and presentation
• Drama
• Class, paired and group discussions
• Using music, pictures and photos
• Handling and investigating artefacts
• Visits to local churches or other places of worship
• Visitors from faith communities
• Cross curricular links to e.g. Literacy, PSHE etc

Equal opportunities

As an inclusive school, RE at Pembury provide a good opportunity to promote respect for others, particularly those of different faiths and race. RE should challenge stereotypes and misconceptions, in a sensitive and positive way. To ensure access for all to the curriculum, normal school guidelines on differentiation and support should be followed.

School and Community Links

Pembury has links with our local churches who regularly contribute to our assemblies. We are always keen to develop community links further for the benefit of our children.

Impact

By the time our children leave Pembury, they will:

• Know about and understand a range of religions and world views.
• Express ideas and insights about the nature, significance and impact of religions and worldviews
• Gain and deploy the skills needed to engage seriously with religions and worldwide views.
• Have developed the understanding to celebrate the diversity and differences in the world around them.
• Be equipped with the understanding to be kind and considerate to the views and strengths of others.
• Have the knowledge to be a respectful global citizen.