Religious Education
Intent
Rushton CE First School recognises the effect that an inclusive teaching style can have on pupils’ progress, both inside and outside of the school environment. At our school, we provide a broad and balanced curriculum which encompasses spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.
The school ensures that the Religious Education provided is in conformity with the rites, practices and doctrines of the Church of England as laid down in the Trust Deed is living up to its foundation as a Church school enabling people to flourish.
RE plays a major part in promoting the Christian vision and values.
Our whole school curriculum including RE promotes our theological rooted vision
‘Let your Light Shine’. Matthew 5:16
At Rushton CE First School we believe in teaching RE so children can discover more about themselves, others and God. We encourage children’s values and spiritual development to be explored and experienced throughout the whole school. We do this by following the aims set out by the Church of England statement of entitlement 2019.
The Church of England Statement of Entitlement (2019) sets out what all pupils in Church of England schools are entitled to receive in Religious Education (RE).
Implementation
The school has adopted the RE curriculum produced by NATRE RE (Religious Education). The scheme of work is influenced by the National Association of Teachers of Religious Education in England and it aims to provide a broad, balanced, and inclusive study of religion and worldviews.
- Focus on understanding diversity: Pupils learn about a range of religions and non-religious worldviews.
- Two key strands:
- Substantive knowledge – learning about beliefs, practices, and traditions
- Disciplinary knowledge – learning how to think like theologians, philosophers, and social scientists
- Big questions approach: Encourages enquiry into meaning, purpose, morality, and identity.
- Critical thinking and respect: Develops pupils’ ability to analyse ideas, discuss ethically, and respect different perspectives.
- Personal development: Supports spiritual, moral, social, and cultural (SMSC) growth and prepares students for life in a diverse society.
NATRE promotes an RE curriculum that is knowledge-rich, enquiry-based, and focused on understanding both religious and non-religious worldviews in a thoughtful, critical way.
The RE curriculum is delivered at least once a week for KS1 and KS2.
Classroom teachers encourage pupils to discuss topics covered in RE with their peers and as a whole class.
To improve understanding of the topic, several methods of teaching are deployed, including but not limited to:
- Storytelling
- Teacher-led activities
- Pupil initiated activities
- Debating
- Dramatic performance
Long-term plans will be created and will include the topics studied during each term in the key stage.
Curriculum planners provide details of work studied each term.
Progression plans identify core knowledge of RE. This information will ensure there is a visible progression between years.
Early Years Foundation Stage
All children in the EYFS will be taught RE as an integral part of their learning, in line with the following Early Learning Goals:
- Personal, social and emotional development
- Understanding the world
All children will encounter religions and world-views through multiple methods of teaching, e.g. books, educational visits and storytelling.
All children will reflect on their feelings and experiences.
Teachers will encourage imaginative play and curiosity in children.
All RE teaching and learning will have regard to the most up-to-date version of the DfE’s EYFS framework
The school will make provisions to account for parents’ right to withdraw their child from RE lessons.
Impact
Pupils enjoy learning about religions and why people choose, or choose not to follow a religion. Through their RE learning, pupils are able to make links between their own lives and those of others in their community and in the wider world, developing an understanding of other people’s cultures and ways of life.