As a Church school, RE is a core part of our curriculum. We block our RE learning to allow children to become immersed in the concept they are learning, and have a shared experience with other children in the school.

We have close, strong links with St. Mary’s church (it’s just next door to us!) and each class leads at least one church service in the school year. We have church services for Harvest Festival, Christingle, Christmas, Epiphany, Trinity, Ash Wednesday, Easter, Ascension, Pentecost, and for our Year 6 leavers in the summer. Classes can also visit St. Mary's at almost any time, to enhance their learning. 

We have a 2-year long term plan to enable us to 'dig deeper' into certain concepts.

Our lead Governor for RE is Cathy Dumelow (Associate Governor.)

This year (2023-24) we are working through Cycle B.

Intent

At St Mary’s, the intent of Religious Education is to help children enquire and develop knowledge and understanding of Christianity and the other principal religions represented in Great Britain, to appreciate the way that religious beliefs shape life and our behaviour; and to develop the ability to make reasoned and informed judgements about religious and moral issues to enhance their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

Implementation

We follow Hampshire’s agreed syllabus: Living Difference and we use the Understanding Christianity resource. All year groups study Christianity: Sikhism and Judaism in Oak and Ash, and Hinduism and Islam in Lime and Elder. Religious Education is taught in blocked RE days at the beginning of each half term (end of the half term for Christmas and Easter.) We use an enquiry-based approach made up from the following 5 steps:

• Communicate
• Apply
• Enquire
• Contextualise
• Evaluate

Impact

When our children leave St Mary’s, their learning in RE will have contributed to their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development (SMSC.) It will have made a significant contribution and have helped them to develop and demonstrate skills and attitudes that will allow them to participate fully and contribute positively to life in modern Britain, through practising the skills of tolerance and mutual respect as seen in Fundamental British Values. RE provides us with opportunities to develop children's learning and understanding of people they will meet, work an live alongside.

You can find Living Difference, the agreed RE syllabus for Hampshire here;

http://www3.hants.gov.uk/education/hias/curriculumsupport/living-difference.htm

Find out more about Understanding Christianity here;

http://www.understandingchristianity.org.uk/

Curriculum Drivers

Environmental Stewardship

At St Mary’s, Religious Education (RE) encourages children to explore the ethical and spiritual dimensions of caring for the planet. By integrating teachings from various faith traditions that emphasise respect for nature, students develop a sense of moral responsibility and a commitment to protecting the environment.

Play-based Learning

RE allows children to explore spiritual and moral concepts through interactive activities, role-playing, and storytelling. This approach makes abstract ideas more tangible and relatable, helping young learners to internalise and reflect on values such as empathy, kindness, and respect in a fun and engaging way.

Global Mindset, Diversity and Inclusion

Integrating these in RE enriches children's understanding of various beliefs and practices, fostering respect and empathy for different cultures. This approach encourages open-mindedness and global awareness, preparing children to thrive in a diverse world by appreciating the common values and unique perspectives within various religious traditions.

Belonging

RE fosters a supportive environment where children feel accepted and valued, enhancing their sense of community. This inclusive atmosphere encourages open discussions about different beliefs and traditions, helping children develop mutual respect and a deeper understanding of their own and others' spiritual identities.

Inspiration and Aspiration

At St Mary’s, these are cultivated through exploring stories of individuals who exemplify virtues such as compassion, courage, and justice from various religious traditions. By engaging with these narratives, children are inspired to embody these values in their own lives, fostering a sense of purpose and a desire to contribute positively to their communities.

Spiritual Development

In RE, spiritual development is nurtured through exploration of fundamental questions about existence, meaning, and morality. By providing a platform for reflection, meditation, and discussions on core beliefs, RE fosters children's spiritual growth, helping them to develop a deeper understanding of themselves, others, and the world around them.

Communication and Storytelling

These are essential tools for conveying complex moral and spiritual lessons. Through engaging narratives, children can better understand diverse religious beliefs and practices, fostering empathy and critical thinking while making the subject matter more accessible and memorable.

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