Intent
It is our intent that of RE lessons equip children with the knowledge and skills to answer challenging questions, explore different religious beliefs, values and traditions and develop a more in-depth understanding of beliefs and practices across the world. RE knowledge enables pupils to combat prejudice, preparing them for adult life, employment and life-long learning.
Implementation
Religious Education taught at Cockfield Primary School (according to the new Draft Durham Agreed Syllabus Religious Education 2019) using resources from Jigsaw RE. This provides in depth learning into Christianity alongside all of the main world religions.
RE is taught by studying one religion at a time (systemic units) and then including thematic units, (which build on learning by comparing the religions, beliefs and practices studied).
Across the school we also enrich this curriculum by recognising and celebrating important dates and events for individual religions and celebrate these in a way that develops understanding.
Impact
Our curriculum educates all children spiritually, academically, emotionally and morally to enable them to better understand themselves and to develop an acceptance and understanding of others. These skills and knowledge are essential in order to embrace the opportunities, challenges and responsibilities of living in a rapidly changing, multicultural world. Due to the limited racial diversity of our location in the North East of England, this is a crucial aspect of our provision.
Religious Education in the Early Years:
RE sits very firmly within the areas of personal, social and emotional development and understanding of the world. From an early age, our pupils learn to develop a positive sense of themselves, and others, and learn how to form positive and respectful relationships. They will do this through encountering religious and non-religious worldwide views through special people, books, places and objects and by visiting places of worship. Our children have opportunities to listen to and talk about stories. They are introduced to subject specific words and use all of their senses to explore beliefs, practices and forms of expression. In the Early Years, the children ask questions and reflect on their own feelings and experiences. They use their imaginations and curiosity to develop their appreciation of, and wonder at, the world in which they live.
