Helping each of us to be the best we can be by living ‘life in all its fullness’ (John 10:10)

The Importance of RE at St Mary and St Margaret’s CE Primary School

Religious Education is unique in the school curriculum in that it is neither a core subject nor a foundation subject but the 1988 Education Act states that ‘Religious Education has equal standing in relation to core subjects of the National Curriculum in that it is compulsory for all registered pupils’. The RE Statement of Entitlement states ‘In all Church schools, religious education must be considered an academic subject.’

St Mary and St Margaret’s is a Church of England Voluntary Aided School is a Church of England Voluntary Aided School therefore the provision of RE is taught in accordance with the Trust Deed of the School. The Governors in consultation with the Head teacher, following advice from the diocese, have decided to adopt the Solihull Agreed Syllabus and supplement this with material from Understanding Christianity and Living Difference from Hampshire.

The Solihull Agreed Syllabus uses the Conceptual Enquiry approach to the teaching of RE. The Conceptual Enquiry Approach starts with a concept that the children explore rather than learning a list of facts about a given religion. Each medium-term plan follows the cycle of enquiry.

Aims for RE at St Mary and St Margaret’s CE Primary School

In teaching RE at St. Mary & St. Margaret’s we aim for each child to:-

• Develop a knowledge and understanding of Christianity as a global living faith

• Develop a sense of themselves as significant, unique and precious;

• Be given many opportunities to reflect at their own level on life experiences, in order to deepen their understanding of the meaning of life and reflect upon ultimate questions.

• -Develop a knowledge and understanding of the other religions and world views found in the United Kingdom and Solihull and their associated ways of living;

• Develop a positive attitude and understanding of people’s faiths and beliefs to enable him/her to live and work with fellow citizens of diverse religions, cultural and ethnic origins and those with no religious belief.

• -appreciate the way in which religious beliefs can shape personal and social life and contribute to personal morality and social responsibility

• Develop and articulate their personal beliefs, ideas, values and experiences, whilst respecting the right of others to differ.

RE Lessons at St Mary & St Margaret’s CE Primary School

Religious education plays an important and unique role in each child’s and young person’s education enabling them to understand their spiritual identity, to adhere to moral values and to learn to play their role in promoting community cohesion and inclusion in our increasingly diverse society.

Learning experiences in RE are designed and provided by careful planning through the Solihull Agreed Syllabus, Living Difference Resources and Understanding Christianity taking into account the need to offer breadth of content.

In order to make religious education a lively, active subject we employ a variety of teaching methods whilst following the conceptual enquiry approach including using biblical texts, exploring theological ideas, art, music, discussion, drama, the use of artefacts, pictures, videos, stories, and the use of periods of stillness and reflection.

RE in the EYFS

The EYFS follow The Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage and the curriculum is planned and implemented using a cross curricular thematic approach underpinned by the school values. RE is fully embedded in the EYFS Curriculum.  Children experience the RE content as part of thematic learning based around carefully chosen texts.