RE

At Napier Primary Academy,  we aim for our R.E to help the children’s knowledge and understanding of the major world faiths, and we address the fundamental questions in life. Religious education enables children to investigate and reflect on some of the most fundamental questions asked by people. We enable children to develop a sound knowledge of Christianity and also of other world religions. 

The RE Curriculum will:

• Develop an awareness of spiritual and moral issues in life experiences.
• Develop knowledge and understanding of Christianity and other major world religions and value systems found in Britain. 
• Develop an understanding of what it means to be committed to a religious tradition.
• Be able to reflect on their own experiences and to develop a personal response to the fundamental questions of different beliefs.
• Develop an understanding of religious traditions and to appreciate the cultural differences in Britain today.
• Develop investigative and research skills and to enable them to make reasoned judgements about religious issues.
• Have respect for other peoples’ views and to celebrate the diversity in society.

Intent:

A balanced R.E curriculum at Napier Primary Academy enables children to develop their understanding and experiences from different lessons within the R.E Discovery programme. The children reflect on what it means to have a faith and to develop their own spiritual knowledge and understanding. We offer opportunities for children of all abilities to develop their skills and knowledge in each unit and we ensure that the planned progression built into the scheme of work offers the children an increasing challenge as they move through the school and the chance to revisit religions from previous year groups.

Implementation:

R.E Discovery covers different areas of six principal religions, with a different religion taught alongside Christianity in each year group. It develops pupils’ knowledge and understanding of Christianity, other principal religions and religious traditions that examine these questions, fostering personal reflection and spiritual development. Children are encouraged to explore their own beliefs (religious or non-religious), in the light of what they learn, as they examine issues of religious belief and faith and how these impact on personal, institutional and social ethics; and to express their responses. 

Discovery RE advocates an enquiry based approach with a 4 step process. Step 1 – Engagement, Step 2 – Investigation, Step 3 – Evaluation and Step 4 – Expression. There is a key question for each topic then lessons work through the 4 step process. At Napier, RE is taught through RE days each term, where children are fully immersed in the key question and topic and learn through drama, discussion and stories. 

To enhance the learning of RE, we encourage learning about religious experiences, such as visiting the local church and other significant religious buildings, meeting religious speakers and handling real artefacts. 

Impact:

• Children will be able to develop their self–confidence and awareness.
• Children will be able to understand the world they live in as individuals and as members of groups.
• Children bring their own experiences and understanding of life into the classroom.
• Children are able to develop positive attitudes towards others, respecting their beliefs and experience.
• Children are able to reflect on, and consider, their own values and those of others.
• Children are able to deal with issues that form the basis for personal choices and behaviour.