Exploring Faiths and Values: Religious Education at Botley School

Vision Statement:

"Developing curiosity and understanding through encouraging inclusive, respectful and reflective global citizens, with an awareness of the religions, traditions and cultures influencing our multi-cultural society." 

Introduction:

At Botley School, we believe that Religious Education (RE) plays a crucial role in developing pupils' understanding of the world and their place within it. Our RE curriculum is designed to foster respect, empathy, and critical thinking about different faiths and beliefs. We provide a safe and inclusive environment where children can explore a range of religious and philosophical perspectives, develop their own values, and become informed and responsible citizens.

Central Approach to Learning:

"Central to the approach to learning in ‘Challenging RE’ is the process of building conceptual bridges between the pupils’ own lives and the content that they explore. Whatever background a pupil comes from, RE must engage all pupils in meaningful learning that they can apply to their own lives. And this means engaging pupils in their learning by building bridges between pupils’ experience and religious/worldview contexts." - 2023 Agreed Syllabus

Our Aims in Religious Education:

Through our RE curriculum, we aim to:

• Develop pupils' knowledge and understanding of a range of religions and beliefs.
• Foster respect and empathy for people of all faiths and none.
• Encourage pupils to reflect on their own values and beliefs.
• Develop pupils' critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Promote pupils' personal, social, and emotional development.

Key Stage Breakdown:

• Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS): In the Early Years, RE is integrated into all areas of learning. Children are encouraged to explore their own feelings and experiences and to learn about different celebrations and traditions. Activities might include sharing stories, exploring artefacts, and participating in role-play.
• Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2): In Key Stage 1, pupils begin to learn about different religions in a more structured way. They explore key stories, festivals, and symbols from Christianity and other major world religions. They are encouraged to ask questions and to share their own experiences.
• Key Stage 2 (Years 3-6): In Key Stage 2, pupils deepen their knowledge and understanding of different religions. They learn about the key beliefs, practices, and ways of life of a range of faiths. They are encouraged to think critically about religious and philosophical issues and to develop their own informed opinions.

Examples of Topics and Activities:

Throughout the year, pupils explore a variety of fascinating topics, such as:

• The life and teachings of Jesus.
• The story of Ramadan.
• The importance of the Torah in Judaism.
• Buddhist teachings on mindfulness.
• Hindu celebrations of Diwali.
• Exploring different creation stories.
• Thinking about ethical dilemmas.
• Learning about different places of worship.

Resources and Facilities:

Botley School uses a range of resources to support RE teaching, including religious texts, artefacts, videos, and online resources. We also encourage visits to local places of worship where appropriate.

Right to Withdraw from Religious Education

Parents may withdraw their children from all or any part of religious education and teachers can exercise their right to withdraw from teaching the subject. However, we hope that all parents and teachers will feel comfortable with the type of religious education being taught at this school.

We value the influence of each religion and worldview explored and their contribution to the education of all our pupils. We promote teaching in Religious Education that supports open enquiry and first-hand experiences where possible. Parents who wish to withdraw their children are asked provide written notification to this effect.