RE Policy
RE is given a high priority at Blandford St Mary Primary School reflecting the distinctive quality of our church aided status. It is taught in accordance with the Trust deeds of our school which states that "RE will be consistent with the faith and practices of the Church of England" and the Salisbury Diocese guidelines. We follow the recommendations of the 1998 School Standard & Framework Act which states that all schools must provide RE for all its pupils, although parents can choose to withdraw their children. As RE is not a subject in the new curriculum, the format of this policy document differs in some respects from the other curriculum policy documents formulated by the school. However our overarching teaching and learning policy explains in detail how the curriculum is delivered at Blandford St Mary, and as this impacts directly on our RE teaching should be read alongside it [see policy for teaching and learning]. Our Philosophy At Blandford St Mary we believe RE makes a distinctive contribution to the school curriculum by developing pupils' knowledge and understanding of religion, and the religious beliefs, practices and tradition s that have an influence on individuals, communities and cultures. It enables our children to respond to important questions related to spiritual development and the meaning and purpose of life. RE plays an important role at Blandford St Mary, together with other curriculum areas and collective worship in promoting the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of our children. This is an intrinsic part of our school life and is highly valued. The development of children's attitudes and beliefs are central to the formation of our school ethos. [See Collective Worship and Spiritual Moral Social & Cultural policies]. To deliver the RE curriculum the school follows the Dorset Agreed Syllabus R. E. Search: Asking the Big Questions with its two Central Attainment Targets: Attainment Target 1 ~ Learning about Religion and Human Experience. Aiming to enable our children to:
Develop their knowledge and understanding of Christianity Explore key stories and become familiar with the Bible. Explore spiritual aspects of our daily lives, developing an awareness of the importance of beliefs and faiths for individuals. Develop their sense of identity and belonging. To develop familiarity with the key beliefs and practices of different faiths.
Attainment Target 2 ~ Learning from Religion and Human Experience. Enabling our children to:
Develop spiritually, nurturing a sense of awe and wonder. Develop their own personal values and commitments Broaden their cultural awareness ~ discovering how religious beliefs contribute to this. Develop key skills of reflection and empathy. To develop children's questioning and debating skills, and their ability to communicate their thoughts effectively. Develop the ability to assess/evaluate their own learning in RE.
Units of work from QCA schemes are used to enrich/supplement this syllabus where appropriate. RE is taught for approximately:-
45 + minutes in Reception 1 hour in Key Stage 1 1 hour + in Key Stage 2
We teach RE in a way that stresses open enquiry and first-hand experiences wherever possible. [see teaching and learning policy] The syllabus is implemented in school by means of a highly sensory approach, whereby children can look at and handle religious artefacts and hear religious music or taste food from a religious tradition. The school regularly uses the Dorset County RE resources loans boxes for this purpose. Central to this is the use of visitors and visits e.g. to our local church, Salisbury Cathedral. The use of ICT to enrich the RE curriculum, especially the use of key websites both for planning and for children's research is developing steadily. Assessment and Pupil Progress In line with the school assessment policy, R.E. is assessed formatively throughout the unit. Summative exercises can be used to support these judgements. The levels attributed to the children’s work are recorded using the assessment tool on the school intranet. This enables the coordinator to have easy access for monitoring the progress of all children. The assessment tool also highlight resource needs, particularly successful activities, ICT opportunities ~ all of which is co-ordinated to ensure effective delivery of the subject. Increasingly children at Blandford St Mary are given opportunities to assess their own achievement this is primarily through the assessment for learning techniques.
Withdrawal from Religious Education Blandford St Mary recognises that parents have the right to withdraw their child from RE - in its entirety or in part. This is stated clearly in the school prospectus. Arrangements are made for those children who are withdrawn from RE.
Further Information
R.E. Search: Asking the Big Questions
Dorset Agreed Syllabus for RE
Festival Matters
Support Syllabus for Church Schools
QCA
Scheme of Work for Key Stages 1 & 2: Religious Education
QCA
Curriculum Guidance for the Foundation Stage QCA/00/587
QCA
Exemplification in Standards in Religious Education 1998
The Stationery Office
Circular 1/94 Religious Education and Collective Worship School Standards and Framework Act 1998 - Chapter VI