Religious Education

The R.E. Curriculum at Bolton-by-Bowland CE (VA) Primary School 

Religious Education lies at the very heart the curriculum of Bolton-by-Bowland CE (VA) Primary school because, as a church school, we see that the Christian faith informs all aspects of our life together.

INTENT

As a Church of England school, we have an RE curriculum that is rich and varied, enabling learners to acquire a thorough knowledge and understanding of the Christian faith. Our aim is to provide a wide range of opportunities for learners to understand and to make links between the beliefs, practices and value systems of the range of faiths studied.  Links with the Christian values of the school and spiritual, moral, social and cultural development are intrinsic to the RE curriculum and should have a significant impact on learners.

RE at Bolton-by-Bowland explores how individuals and communities make sense and meaning of their lives through the major religions of the world. It enables pupils to know about, understand and respond to the important and ultimate questions of life. RE is taught in such a way that it inspires pupils to explore, develop and affirm their own faith and values and have respect for the faith, beliefs and values of others. Christian values permeate the RE curriculum at Bolton-by-Bowland.

Pupils will experience, explore and encounter a wide range of creative and challenging multi-sensory activities that will help them to discover the answers to fundamental questions such as these: –

• Who am I and what does it mean to be me?
• In what ways do/can I relate to others?
• How/where can I encounter God?
• How can I make a positive contribution to the world in which I live?
• What values, attitudes, beliefs and behaviour are important to me?
• What does it mean to have faith?
• Who/what influences and inspires me?

IMPLEMENTATION

At Bolton-by-Bowland we follow 'Questful RE' which is a scheme of work which offers an investigative enquiry approach that gives the pupils a sense of being on a quest of discovery. A key feature of the syllabus is the large number of questions included in each unit. The purpose of these questions is to give pupils opportunity to investigate, reflect, evaluate and make meaning. In doing so they will discover more about themselves, their relationships with others, their relationship with the world around them and their relationship with God. The questions set the route through the curriculum content.

The curriculum content is a balance of the three essential disciplines of quality RE, Theology, Philosophy and Social Science. This means pupils will look at concepts through a theological lens, exploring what people of faith believe. Alongside this pupils will explore questions and answers raised in relation to the lived reality and impact of religion and world views on people’s lives. They will also think like philosophers, and be equipped with the skills that will enable them to make sense of life’s experiences.

Timetabling and planning at Bolton-by-Bowland ensures that:

• Each class has regular, weekly class lessons involving whole class, small group and individual activities; there is one main lesson of 60 minutes in addition to on-going activities throughout the week (including in worship, church visits and through SMSC in all other areas of the curriculum)
• We follow the Blackburn Diocese scheme ‘Questful RE’ and this is further enhanced with ‘Understanding Christianity’ units
• There will be clear learning outcomes for all units of work, based on the appropriate expectations/levels as set out in the RE syllabus
• The scheme of work will ensure that there is continuity and progression for pupils and opportunities for assessment in both attainment targets
• A range of teaching and learning activities will ensure that pupils learn effectively and with interes
• RE will be taught either as a discrete subject or as part of a cross curricular approach where appropriate
• A range of visitors will be invited to support the teaching of RE, and where possible, there will be planned visits to places of worship
• Of the RE taught, 60% is Christianity and 40% is other faiths
• SEND children with 1:1 support will have access to adaptations which tailor to their individual needs

IMPACT

Pupil progress and attainment in RE will be tracked and recorded half termly and the school will keep an up to date portfolio of evidence to support assessment data. Progress in RE will form part of pupils’ annual report to parents

Additional R.E. activities- wider opportunities

• Visits to St Peter's and St Paul's Church for 'Little Church' services - half termly
• Collective Worship led by Rector Mark fortnightly
• Daily Collective Worship
• Enrichment activities e.g. World Faith Week, Prayer Spaces Weeks

The Role of other Faiths and Cultures

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Our school promotes the fundamental British value of respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

As part of our aim to help children fully embrace society and the wider world community, other faiths are valued and treated with respect. Our RE syllabus, created by Blackburn Diocese, incorporates the teaching of two other main world religions. As such, whilst the majority of the curriculum is centred around Christianity, some lessons will be spent on Judaism and Islam.

Blackburn Diocesan board of education website: http://www.bdeducation.org.uk

All children at Bolton-by-Bowland are encouraged to embrace the diversity of life. We work towards this goal through education against ignorance and we actively promote an understanding of equity, diversity and justice through Collective Worship and through the curriculum. Wherever possible, we look to visitors to help support our aim so that learning is accurate, meaningful and enjoyable.