Intent
We aim for a high-quality R.E. curriculum at Moorlands, using the ‘Agreed Syllabus’ for RE in Calderdale, Kirklees and Leeds (2019-2024) entitled ‘BELIEVING AND BELONGING in West Yorkshire’. This syllabus recognises and uses the structure of national guidance published by the RE Council for England and Wales. It has been adapted to suit our local context and tailored to the children growing up in our region.
The three broad aims of this curriculum state that pupils have opportunity to:
- A Investigate the beliefs and practices of religions and other world views.
- B Investigate how religions and other world views address questions of meaning, purpose and value.
- C Investigate how religions and other world views influence morality, identity and diversity.
The syllabus requires our school to focus on specific core religions at each stage. In Early Years through the seven areas of learning, children will explore areas of Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Sikhism, KS1 Christianity and Islam, adding Sikhism and Judaism in KS2. Other non-religious world views are included at each Key Stage. Opportunity is also given to study other faiths, world views and celebrations in response to the local needs and circumstances of Moorlands pupils.
The syllabus recognises and reflects a huge variety within religions, faiths and systems of belief (religious and non-religious). In this way RE at Moorlands will challenge stereotypes rather than reinforce them.
Implementation
At Moorlands we have adopted the non-statutory RE Units of Work (5 units per year for EYFS and KS1 and 4 units for KS2) to support the syllabus in coverage of knowledge and progression of skills throughout the school journey.
The agreed units of work provide suggestions and resources to suit children’s individual learning styles and interests. Teaching and learning will include discussion and reflection through a variety of activities such as: drama, art, individual and group work, stories, visits and visitors. Throughout the different learning activities, pupils will always be encouraged to express their own views and beliefs, as well as listening to those of others, in a safe and respectful environment. This will foster interest, understanding and tolerance and reflect the diversity of the children in our care.
The RE units are taught discretely however, at Moorlands we have identified opportunities for cross-curricular links e.g. History, Geography, English (speaking and listening, writing opportunities, stories), SMSC, PSHE, British Values, Art, Music and Drama.
The timing of these units is very flexible so that year groups can link where possible, with festivals and celebrations throughout the year. Each Year group is assigned a religious festival to present as an assembly for parents/carers and other year groups. Through both performing in and watching these assemblies, Moorlands children expand their knowledge and interest as well as educating their families and making links to the wider community.
The RE units of work will include key concepts such as:
beliefs, belonging, leadership, commitment, rules and codes, community, tolerance, faith, identity, prayer, responsibility, charity, creation and family.
Key Questions lead the learning in every lesson and encourage pupils to reflect on and develop opinions, experiences and beliefs
Credits:
Created with images by Africa Studio - "White caucasian and black afro american hands holding together, friendship concept" • dizain - "Community word cloud, heart concept" • Kenishirotie - "People around world"