Religious Education
   

Intention
 

The principal aim of RE is to engage pupils in an inquiry approach where they can develop an understanding and appreciation for the expression of beliefs, cultural practices and influence of principal religions and worldviews in the local, national and wider global community. As a ‘Thinking school’ we challenge their thinking by posing Big Questions to pupils in order to stimulate enquiry.

Within the Religious Education curriculum children develop an understanding of the fundamental British values: self and identity, respect and tolerance, democracy, the rule of law and individual liberty. 

As a Rights Respecting school children feel safe in expressing their religious views as stated in Article 14: Freedom of thought, belief and religion. As theologians pupils develop their spiritual, moral, social, and cultural selves.

Implementation
 

At Star we follow the Newham Syllabus, agreed by the Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) in 2016.

  • RE in the EYFS is taught through cross curricular links focusing on several themes: celebrating special times, stories and what they tell us, identity and relationships. 
  • At Key Stage 1 and 2, there is a systematic study of Christianity and the other 5 principle religions in the UK (Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism).
  • The syllabus provides opportunities to teach all religions practised within our school community including atheist and agnostic points of view.
  • Pupils handle artefacts, explore sacred texts and use imaginative play or drama to express feelings and ideas.
  • Each year group visits a place of worship to enable real and hands-on learning opportunities.
  • Pupils learn through a range of stories and develop a religious vocabulary and interpret religious symbolism in a variety of forms

Pupils are encouraged to think critically and raise fundamental questions about beliefs and values.

Impact
  At Star, we prepare children to thrive in the diverse community of Newham and the increasingly interdependent world. Pupils are confident and resilient in their own religious beliefs and identity, simultaneously showing mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and challenge prejudice. Pupils have a sense of enjoyment and fascination in learning about themselves, others and the world around them.  Pupils are reflective, offering their own thoughtful and informed insights into religious and secular world-views. Children from Star are prepared to live positive and fulfilling lives, leaving our school able to fully participate in life in modern Britain. The impact and quality of our RE curriculum is evidenced from our GOLD RE Quality Mark  accreditation.
In The Classroom Progression Framework Key Vocabulary

Enrichment
  Children at Star Primary are given many enrichment opportunities as part of the wider RE Curriculum. Children have opportunities to go on many trips to visit places of worship and experience hands-on learning using artefacts and faith in speakers. Children also get opportunities to join the exploring faith through art after school club. RE Ambassadors share their RE knowledge with the whole school and contribute further to the development of RE. Children are encouraged to celebrate many religious events coming up as well take part in whole school RE projects and competitions. RE visitors and faith leaders  explore faith with pupils, offering other voices for children to consider.

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