Our aim at Peninsula East Primary Academy is to develop children’s understanding and curiosity about Religious Education through an inquiry-based approach.Through exploration of different religious beliefs and cultures, children can broaden their spiritual awareness, discuss similarities and differences between faiths as well as make links to their own beliefs and opinions. Critical thinking skills are developed alongside children’s knowledge, understanding and empathy. Our approach aims to nurture inquisitive minds that respect and tolerate people of all cultures, backgrounds, faith and beliefs.
From Reception to year 6, different faiths and cultures are celebrated in various ways through RE lessons, PYP inquiries, a ‘thought for the week’ and assemblies which include a weekly assembly from our local church leader, Reverend Gwilt.
Throughout their time at Peninsula East Primary Academy, children will learn about Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism and Buddhism. As children progress through school they learn about key celebrations, religious buildings, books, stories, ideas and opinions in a way that suits their age, understanding and development. Our approach ensures that children are free to make their own choices and decisions regarding religions and beliefs.
To ensure that pupils learn in sufficient depth and that they remember what they have learnt, planning is well-thought out and sequenced so that pupils develop secure long-term understanding, building on what they have learnt before.
Pupils approach each inquiry based on a key question, which is then explored by building subject knowledge. Inquiries begin building on the pupils’ own experiences to ensure understanding of the concept. Then, they begin investigating concepts in depth, using the perspective of the chosen religion. As part of these inquiries, pupils may visit places of worship or invite visitors into school to deepen their understanding.
Finally, pupils will reach a personal reflection using their own thoughts and feelings based on their learning. RE is taught once a week and also through RE weeks or themed events, such as Christmas and Easter activity days. This growing subject knowledge nurtures pupils’ spiritual development and allows them to think critically about information they have been given.
The positive results of pupils’ learning can then be seen in the standards they achieve. Leaders monitor the subject effectively through learning walks, book looks and discussions with pupils and staff. Formative and summative assessment is tracked to ensure that pupils are building on their skills and knowledge over time. This highlights progression and also allows us to address any in-school gaps or anomalies.
Our approach with the progressive teaching of skills enables children to understand religions and worldviews and to communicate their thoughts around the significance and impact of these. RE is relevant to all pupils in our constantly changing world, regardless of their religious or non- religious views and beliefs. It exposes them to alternative perspectives, allowing them to make links between their own lives and those of others in their local and global community, shaping them as global citizens of the future.