Intent
Religion and beliefs inform our values and are reflected in what we say and how we behave. We believe that RE is important in developing an individual’s knowledge and understanding of the religions and beliefs which form part of contemporary society.
RE provokes challenging questions about the ultimate meaning and purpose of life, beliefs about God, the self and the nature of reality, issues of right and wrong, and what it means to be human.
RE plays an important role in preparing pupils for adult life, employment and lifelong learning. It helps children and young people become successful learners, confident individuals and responsible citizens.
Implementation
The RE Curriculum at Brookburn follows the Manchester Agreed Syllabus which is a collaboration between 5 Greater Manchester authorities and is supported by Manchester SACRE.
RE is taught discretely either through weekly lessons, blocks of lessons or RE Days/Weeks as decided by each year group under guidance from the co-ordinator. RE lessons build upon prior learning and develop skills year on year.
Summary of RE curriculum at Brookburn
EYFS
Children will explore the following questions:
Which stories are special and why?
Which people are special and why?
Which places are special and why?
Which times are special and why?
Where do we belong?
What is special about our world and why?
KS1
Children in Year 1 and 2 will explore the following questions:
Who is a Christian and what do they believe?
Who is a Muslim and what do they believe?
Who is Jewish and what do they believe?
What can we learn from sacred books?
What makes some places sacred?
How and why do we celebrate special and sacred times?
What does it mean to belong to a faith community?
How should we care for other and the world and why does it matter?
KS2
Children in Year 3 and 4 will explore the following:
What do people believe about God?
Why is the Bible important to Christians today?
Why is Jesus inspiring to some people?
Why do some people pray?
Why are festivals important to some religious communities?
Why do some people think life is a journey?
What does it mean to be a Christian in Britain today?
What does it mean to be a Hindu in Britain today?
What can we learn from religions about what is right and wrong?
Children in Year 5 and 6 will explore the following:
Why do some people believe God exists?
What would Jesus do?
What do religions say to us when life gets hard?
If God is everywhere, why go to a place of worship?
Is it better to express your religion in arts and architecture or in charity and generosity?
What does it mean to be a Muslim in Britain today?
What matters most to Christians and Humanists?
What difference does it make to believe in Ahimsa (harmlessness), Grace, and Ummah (community)?
Impact
Through our teaching and delivery of RE at Brookburn, our children have a better understanding of religions in the UK and in particular, the religions that feature prominently in their local communities. Pupils can articulate their own ideas about religion, belief and spirituality. They gain a deeper understanding of beliefs and practices which enable children to arrive at an informed and empathetic understanding of different groups which will help promote community cohesion and integration.
Enjoyment of the RE Curriculum taught promotes confidence, creativity and inquisitiveness in the children and an understanding of how their learning can help them in their own decision making and future.
