Religious Education
"Religious education in a Church school should enable every child to flourish and to live life in all its fullness. It will help educate for dignity and respect encouraging all to live well together”"
John 10:10
Why we teach Religious Education
At Egglescliffe CE Primary School, our aim is to enable every child to flourish through a programme of Religious Education and Collective Worship that enables them to grow in wisdom and understanding, developing a profound respect for other people and their beliefs.
Through …
- the analysis of religious texts, stories, symbols and artefacts,
- an understanding of how texts, stories, symbols and artefacts are interpreted and how they influence the way that people live their daily lives
- reflection of their own beliefs,
… we aim to help our children to develop their religious literacy, enabling them to hold balanced and informed conversations about religion and belief.
How we teach Religious Education
At Egglescliffe CE Primary School, RE is regarded as a core subject, and pupils and their families can expect a high-quality religious education (RE) curriculum that is rich and varied, enabling learners to acquire a thorough knowledge and understanding of a range of faiths and world views.
We teach according to the Stockton Agreed Syllabus supported by the Understanding Christianity and Durham Diocesan teaching resources. Our enquiry-based approach engages with theological and philosophical concepts alongside social sciences, and the children’s own understanding of the world, to develop their religious literacy. As a church school, the teaching of Christianity is at the heart of our RE curriculum.
Links with our school vision, and support for pupil’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development are intrinsic to our RE curriculum and have a significant impact on learners. We provide a wide range of opportunities for learners to understand and to make links between the beliefs, practices and value systems of the range of faiths and world views studied.
Exceptionality of Religious Education
We enjoy close links with the church of Saint John the Baptist in Egglescliffe Village, attending ‘Encounter’ and ‘Prayer Spaces’, led by Reverend Sylvia Wilson, and involving some parents and grandparents. In addition, our Y6 Ethos leads prepare and lead prayer stations within school, working with the younger children on an invitational basis.
The ‘Lighthouse’ youth group is attended by some of our older children at the church after school.
All classrooms have ‘Reflection Areas’ which enable the children to consider and, if they wish, share their own ideas and beliefs.
We have the ‘Big Story of the Bible’ and a Venn diagram, describing our approach to the teaching and learning of RE, displayed in all classes from Y1-Y6 and around school.
Termly RE cafés, open to all parents, provide a forum to ask and answer questions regarding the teaching of RE at Egglescliffe Primary.
Last year we celebrated our first ‘Spirited Art week’, enabling the children to explore their own spirituality through art and language. This coincided with a visit from 24 American Youth for Christ workers in school. We have an ongoing partnership with the Youth for Christ worker for the parish who clearly models Christian values and leads on youth engagement.
Our Y5 students take part in Bishop’s Trust Young Leaders award, and 4 children from Y6 are taking part in the first National Younger Leadership Group, alongside children from other schools.
We celebrate our relationships with members of our school community from a range of different faiths, welcoming visitors into school, as well as visiting places of worship.
Books used in Religious Education
- What I Believe by Alan Brown
Home Learning Recommendations
BBC Bitesize RE KS1 - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z6jycxs
BBC Bitesize RE KS2 - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zxwfrmn
