Intent

At Barden Primary school, we believe that it is vital for all of our pupils to learn 'about' and 'from' religion, so that they can understand the world around them. In line with the current Lancashire Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education, pupils acquire and develop their knowledge and understanding of religious and nonreligious beliefs and worldviews, cultural practices and ways of life in the local, national and wider global community. Religious Education is taught throughout the school in such a way as to reflect the overall aims and values of the school. It promotes mutual respect and open - mindedness towards others with different faiths and beliefs and encourages pupils to develop their sense of identity and belonging through self-awareness and reflection. We engage our pupils in an enquiry approach where they ask questions about the world and reflect on their own beliefs, values and experiences. Pupils also have the opportunity to learn that there are those who do not hold religious beliefs and have their own philosophical perspectives. Our aim is to ensure our pupils are equipped with the knowledge and understanding to engage in respectful dialogue so that they can participate positively in our society as global citizens.

Implementation 

At Barden Primary School, we follow the Lancashire RE syllabus and its long term and medium-term plans for each year group. The curriculum allows children to develop knowledge of the six main faiths, as well as the opportunity to express ideas on the spiritual, social, moral, and cultural impact RE has upon their own lives and the lives of others. Teachers have a secure understanding of the 4 strands of the Lancashire Field of Enquiry model enabling pupils to reflect on their learning and search for personal meaning. Pupils are engaged with their learning through the use of key questions as ‘hooks’ for each unit accompanied by well-planned focus questions. Pupils gain a deeper understanding of the religions studied through the use of high quality resources, handling artefacts and responding to images. Our Religious Education curriculum is enhanced further with trips to places of worship in our local area, meeting visitors from local religious communities and taking part in whole school events such as multi faith days. A cyclical format to RE enables pupils to revisit and build on their prior knowledge of the different beliefs and practices taught across the school. We are committed to providing our children with an exciting and positive learning environment, to develop their knowledge and understanding of religions while contributing to their spiritual, moral social and cultural development.

Impact

The children at Barden Primary School enjoy learning about other religions. Pupils have a high level of engagement in RE and a desire to deepen their understating through enquiry and reflection. Pupils become reflective learners, making their own connections and drawing conclusions through an effective enquiry model. Using a rich religious vocabulary, they are able to justify their arguments rather than simply express their personal feelings. Our Religious Education Curriculum is high quality, well thought out and is planned to demonstrate progression. Pupils progress in RE with regard to the exploration of shared human experience, beliefs and values, living religious traditions and the search for personal meaning. Planning clearly identifies expectations and opportunities to assess pupils’ progress. Ongoing formative assessment is made against the four strands of the Field of Enquiry, with clear outcomes for the end of each key stage. Through RE, the children are able to make links between their own lives and those of others in their community and in the wider world. They demonstrate tolerance and respectful behaviour to all and this is transferable outside of school in the wider community. 

Barden Religious Education Curriculum Map 2023-2024