Our Vision for Religious Education at Mundy C of E Junior School.

"Being a Church of England school means that our school works very closely with St Lawrence's church to help and support each other" - Year 3 Student (MJS 2022)

Intent:

Religious Education at Mundy CE Junior School makes a distinctive contribution to the school curriculum by developing pupil’s knowledge and understanding of religion, religious beliefs, practices, language and traditions and their influence on individuals, communities, societies and cultures. It enables pupils to consider and respond to a range of important questions which are related to their own spiritual development, the development of values and attitudes and fundamental questions concerning the meaning and purpose of life.

The principle aim of RE as stated within the Derbyshire Agreed Syllabus 2020-2025 is to engage pupils in systematic enquiry into significant human questions which religion and worldviews address, so that they can develop the understanding and skills needed to appreciate and appraise varied responses to these questions, as well as develop responses of their own.

Implementation:

Teachers will plan weekly lessons based around the Understanding Christianity Framework and the Derbyshire Agreed Syllabus (2020-2025). Both syllabuses focus on key questions, which children will study analyse and respond to using the correct terminology. Their responses will incorporate their own views with link to worldwide views. Both schemes also identify which religions should be covered and at what age these religions must be taught.

At the beginning of the lesson the MyLO is shared with the class; including their 3 aims for the lesson and any key vocab that may be used within the lesson. Teachers will provide clear and detailed explanations, in order for children to fully understand the concept of the lesson. Throughout the lesson, the class will be provided with opportunity to analyse, debate and question aspects of the teaching in order to further develop their understanding. Throughout the lesson tasks may be adapted or differentiated in order to support and/or challenge all pupils. Where necessary a range of primary and secondary resources will be available e.g. religious texts, religious books, artefacts (prayer mats, diva lamps etc.), music, videos and images.

Throughout the lesson questions are asked in order to assess individual children’s needs and address any misconceptions. Class discussions and tailored questioning allows children to progress throughout the lesson. At the end of each lessons children will take part in a self-assessment, providing an opportunity for the teacher to gain an insight into who may need further support during the next lesson.

Impact:

The impact of RE is threefold.

Firstly, it enables children to gain and understanding of a range of religions and worldwide views. This allows children to:

• Describe, explain and analyse beliefs and practices, recognising the diversity which exists within and between communities and amongst individuals.

• Identify, investigate and respond to questions posed, and responses, offered by some of the sources of wisdom found in religions and worldviews.

• Appreciate and appraise the nature, significance and impact of different ways of life and ways of expressing meaning.

Secondly, it enables children to express their ideas and insights about the nature, significance and impact of religions and worldviews. This allows children to:

• Explain reasonably their ideas about how beliefs, practices and forms of expression influence individuals and communities.

• Express with increasing discernment their personal reflections and critical responses to questions and teachings about identity, diversity, meaning and value, including ethical issues. • Appreciate and appraise varied dimensions of religion.

Finally, children will gain and deploy skills the skills needed to engage seriously with religions and worldviews, so that they can:

• Find out about and investigate key concepts and questions of belonging, meaning, purpose and truth, responding creatively.

• Enquire into what enables different individuals and communities to live together respectfully for the wellbeing of all.

• Articulate beliefs, values and commitments clearly to explain why they may be important in their own and other people’s lives.

(Derbyshire Agreed Syllabus 2020-2025)