Religious Education
Religious Education is a highly valued academic subject at Grange C of E Primary School and is central to our Christian vision of Achieve, Believe, Care. Through RE, pupils explore questions of meaning, purpose, belief and identity, enabling them to develop as thoughtful, compassionate and informed members of society.
As a Church of England school, Christianity is at the heart of our RE curriculum. Pupils develop an understanding of Christianity as a diverse global living faith, centred on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. They also learn about a range of religions and beliefs, helping them to understand and respect the diverse world in which they live.
At Grange CE School, we follow the Cumbria Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education and use Questful RE as our curriculum framework. Teaching and learning in Christianity is further enriched through the principles of Understanding Christianity, including use of the Bible Frieze and the 'big story' of the Bible, helping pupils make connections across their learning and collective worship.
Through the disciplines of theology, philosophy and the human and social sciences, pupils are encouraged to be curious, ask challenging questions, explore different viewpoints and develop religious literacy. They learn to express their own ideas respectfully whilst engaging thoughtfully with the beliefs and experiences of others.
The aims of RE are to enable young people to be:
Enquiring
Pupils develop curiosity about the world around them and confidence to ask challenging questions about meaning, purpose, belief, identity and human flourishing.
Knowledgeable
Pupils develop an increasingly secure understanding of Christianity as a diverse global living faith and gain knowledge of a range of religions and beliefs. They learn how faith and belief influence people, communities and societies.
Reflective
Pupils learn to consider different viewpoints thoughtfully and respectfully. They reflect on their own experiences, beliefs and values while exploring those of others.
Expressive
Pupils develop the confidence and skills to communicate their ideas, ask questions, discuss differing perspectives and engage in respectful dialogue.
How is RE taught?
RE is taught weekly and is further enriched through planned RE Days, visits and visitors, which bring learning to life and provide opportunities for deeper exploration. Through enquiry, discussion and reflection, children are encouraged to ask questions, consider different viewpoints and make connections between beliefs, values and lived experiences.
Learning is enhanced through our close links with St Paul's Church, as well as visits to places of worship including the Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre in Ulverston. These first-hand experiences help pupils develop a deeper understanding of Christianity and other religions and beliefs and the ways in which faith is lived out in communities today.
RE is taught by class teachers and learning is carefully sequenced so that knowledge and understanding build throughout the school. Pupils are encouraged to think deeply, discuss respectfully and reflect on their own ideas and experiences.
What contribution does RE make to learning across the curriculum?
RE provides opportunities for all pupils to learn, flourish and achieve. It is a stimulating and engaging subject that encourages children to enquire, investigate and evaluate how religions and beliefs respond to life's big questions.
RE makes a significant contribution to pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. It helps pupils to understand themselves and others, appreciate diversity, and develop respect for different beliefs, values and ways of life.
RE prepares pupils for life in modern Britain and the wider world. It enables them to engage thoughtfully with issues of belief, identity and community while developing the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to participate positively in an increasingly diverse society.
Pupils are encouraged to reflect on their own values and beliefs and to recognise the dignity and worth of every individual.
RE plays a key role in the promotion of spiritual, moral, social and cultural development in schools. RE contributes to the spiritual development of pupils by:
- exploring questions of meaning, purpose, truth and belief;
- reflecting on what matters most in life;
- considering how beliefs influence people's lives and experiences;
- developing awe, wonder and curiosity about the world and human existence;
- encouraging personal reflection and spiritual growth.
RE contributes to the moral development of pupils by:
- exploring values, ethics and moral decision-making;
- considering issues of justice, responsibility and compassion;
- reflecting on how beliefs influence actions and behaviour;
- developing respect for the views and experiences of others.
RE contributes to the social development of pupils by:
- developing discussion, listening and respectful dialogue skills;
- exploring how faith and belief influence individuals and communities;
- encouraging respect, inclusion and understanding;
- helping pupils appreciate the benefits and responsibilities of belonging to diverse communities.
RE contributes to the cultural development of pupils by:
- developing knowledge and understanding of Christianity and other religions and beliefs;
- exploring diversity within local, national and global communities;
- appreciating the ways religion, belief and culture influence one another;
- fostering respect for different traditions, practices and worldviews.
