Intent
At Ravensworth Terrace Primary, we endeavour to build a sense of respect and acceptance of all people to make religious choices; encouraging children to challenge prejudice and discrimination. We believe children should have the opportunity to develop an understanding of the beliefs and religious practices within our community. Within Religious Education lessons, all children will do the following:
-Learn about religion.
-Learn from religion.
-Learn to live in a multi-cultural world.
These core ideas are vital in order for the children to understand the world around them. Through Religious Education, pupils develop their knowledge of world faiths as well as their understanding and awareness of beliefs, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. Children also develop the ability to make reasoned and informed judgements about religious and moral issues as well as having the opportunity to enhance their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.
Implementation
As a school, we follow the Gateshead Authority Agreed Syllabus. Our curriculum is designed to promote creativity, deep understanding, discussion and independent thought. Considering the recommendations and requirements from the Gateshead Syllabus (SACRE), at Ravensworth Terrace we study the following:
-Christianity
-Judaism
-Hinduism
-Islam
As Christianity is the predominant religion in the country there is a greater focus on this religion. However, we do explore the culture and religious beliefs of some of the other main religions that are practised in our local and national community. It is the intention of Gateshead as a Local Authority to ensure that the children of our school are taught facts about the religions that we study. We strive for our pupils to develop an understanding of how people who come from the different religions share common principles and values, whilst also exploring the differences. To support this, the content is organised to ensure that children learn about the different religions across the different year groups in a progressive order. Starting with the most basic principles and knowledge, so that they can revisit and build upon this knowledge year after year. Key skills also drive curriculum planning to ensure the children are equipped with the tools needed for everyday life.
Our Religion Education curriculum is enhanced further with trips to places of worship in our local area. We also strive to make the learning come alive through artefacts which the children can enquire about and research.
As a school, we value the religious backgrounds of all members of the school community and hope that this will encourage individuals to share their own experiences with others to enhance learning.
Impact
Our Religious Education Curriculum is well thought out and planned to demonstrate progression. The children at Ravensworth Terrace enjoy learning about other religions and why people choose to follow a religion or in some cases choose not to. This allows them to understand religions and consequently, show respect, tolerance and acceptance of them. Through R.E learning, children are free to make links between religious values and principles to their own lives and the lives others.
Religious Education offers our children the means by which to understand that each individual is different and has a right to make their own personal choices. In addition to this, it provides the children with an understanding of why people choose to live their lives the way that they do. Furthermore, R.E is invaluable in an ever changing and diverse world.