Religious Education Policy

Philosophy Statement

Aims

Time Allocation

Lesson Structure

Planning

Assessment

Resources

Monitoring and Evaluation

Equal Opportunities

Philosophy Statement

At Warren we believe Religious Education helps young people to acquire the experience and understanding of the spiritual dimensions of life, to assist them in making reasoned and mature judgements. It is not to do with indoctrination into a particular faith system but rather to help gain an understanding of the religious and cultural diversity of contemporary society. Back to top

Aims

We aim to:
- enable pupils to interpret their own experience of life and be aware of and understand its religious dimensions
- help pupils acquire and develop the skills necessary to recognise and consider religious phenomena, ideas and beliefs; also to acquire the necessary factual knowledge about religion in general and Christianity in particular
- encourage the attitudes of sensitivity and openness towards religious and non-religious ideas, beliefs and practices
- enable children to appreciate the cultural influences of religion and explore its relationship with the creative arts and other aspects of human knowledge, experience and expression
- enable pupils to understand the beliefs of others and respect people committed to them
- encourage pupils to use their abilities to gain insight into their own beliefs and so contribute to their own personal, social, spiritual and moral development Back to top

Time Allocation

Approximately the equivalent of 45 mins to 1 hour per week should be spent on RE. It is recognised that this may be interwoven into other areas of the curriculum on occasions, particularly in Early Years and Key Stage 1. Back to top

Lesson Structure

The teaching approach will vary according to the content and is left to the individual teacher's discretion. Back to top

Planning

A half-termly focus will be drawn from the curriculum overview. Teacher's planning will be guided by the learning objectives and assessment outcomes identified in the School's Scheme of Work and will be recorded on the short term planning sheet. Back to top

Assessment

Assessment is carried out mostly through discussion and observations of children. There should be at least one piece of RE work (whether written, pictorial or photographic) recorded in pupil topic books each half term. In writing the end of the year report on RE teachers should take account of:

- their observations on children
- conversations listened to
- indications of understanding in responses
- insight in questions asked
- sensitivity in response to what others value;
- application of knowledge and skills Back to top

Resources

These are stored centrally. Any damage or loss should be reported to the Co-ordinator. Back to top

Monitoring and Evaluation

The Co-ordinator will monitor and evaluate through observation, discussion and perusal of plans and pupil books. Back to top

Equal Opportunities

It is particularly important that each child is valued for their individuality and that their faith, culture gender and life experience is acknowledged. Teachers should be particularly aware when they are using religious artefacts to treat them with the respect afforded them by the faith or community from which they come. Back to top

Approved by Governors

Policy Review: Autumn 2009 Back to top