St Nicholas Church of England Primary SchoolReligious Education
St Nicholas has adopted the London Diocesan Board for Schools Syllabus for teaching Religious Education. This fulfils all legal requirements and entitlement as a Church of England school. The Curriculum Overview tab of the website provides a map of themes covered from Reception until the end of Year 6. Care has been taken to build in meaningful cross curricular themes with other subjects where possible. Two-thirds of the curriculum is based on the teachings of Christianity .One-third of the curriculum is based on the teaching of other faiths.
At St Nicholas', we believe that it is important for all our pupils to learn from and about religion, so that they can understand the world around them. The aim of Religious Education in our school is to help children to acquire and develop knowledge and understanding of Christianity and the other principal religions represented in Great Britain; to appreciate the way that religious beliefs shape life and behaviour, develop the ability to make reasoned and informed judgements about religious and moral issues and enhance their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Religious Education is taught throughout the school in such a way as to reflect the overall aims, values, and philosophy of the school and is likened to a 'learning pilgrimage' as the children progress through year groups. It plays an important role, along with all other curriculum areas, particularly PSHE, in promoting social awareness and understanding in our children. We encourage our pupils to ask questions about the world and to reflect on their own beliefs, values and experiences. We include and promote British values, ensuring that children are aware of their rights and responsibilities as UK citizens. Our curriculum is designed to encourage creativity, imagination, enquiry, debate, discussion and independence. Through being a part of the RE 'learning pilgrimage' offered at St Nicholas', children will have an understanding of and respect for the different world religions as well as having a robust Christian foundation. Children will understand the significant role RE plays in their own spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Children will have developed their own sense of identity and belonging through self-awareness, reflection and being part of our contemplative and supportive community.
Teaching and Learning
At St Nicholas: -
- Religious Education is taught in accordance with the London Diocese Syllabus
- The programme has been designed to keep children engaged, motivated and curious about what they are learning.
- Opportunities for meaningful discussions are planned in at every stage to develop critical thinking, thoughtful questions.
- Learning themes are designed to enable connections within and across religions and world views.
- Time is given for children to reflect, respond and express their own opinions and beliefs.
- Questioning provides challenge about the meaning and purpose of life, beliefs, the self, issues of right and wrong, and what it means to be human
- Children develop knowledge and understanding of Christianity, other principal religions, and religious traditions, fostering personal reflection and spiritual development
- Children explore their own beliefs (whether they are religious or non-religious), in the light of what they learn, as they examine issues of religious belief and faith and how these impact on personal, institutional and social ethics; and to express their responses. This also builds resilience to anti-democratic or extremist narratives.
- A sense of identity and belonging is built in to lessons, which helps children flourish within their communities and as citizens in a diverse society
- Visits and visitors to provide first-hand learning experiences to support learning.
