At Elmstead Primary School, the Religious Education curriculum will prepare and enable children to move into KS3 with an overarching understanding of the main religions. According to the Essex Agreed Syllabus, the main objective is for pupils to be able to hold a balanced and well-informed conversation about religion and world views. Through the progressive curriculum of enquiry-based learning, religious visitors, visits to special places and participation in religious festivals, the children will be able to use their knowledge and understanding of religions to communicate effectively and respectfully about a diverse range of religious beliefs and worldviews. Our aim is for children to be able to use this knowledge, to reflect on their own worldviews and articulate these clearly.
Our RE curriculum follows the multi-disciplinary approach of the Essex Agreed Syllabus, whereby children explore philosophical, theological and human/social science units. Throughout the year, children discuss and explore six different enquiry-based questions, covering a balance of philosophical, theological and human/social science questions.
Each enquiry starts with a ‘Big Question’ for example;
- What does the cross mean to Christians? (An EYFS Spring term question linked to theology)
- What do Jewish people remember on Shabbat? (A Year 1 Spring term question linked to theology )
- Why do people have different views about the idea of God? (A Year 2 Summer term question linked to philosophy)
- How do people express commitment to a religion / worldview in different ways? (A Year 3 Autumn term question linked to human/social science)
- How do people respond to issues of poverty and justice? (A Year 4 Summer term question linked to philosophy)
- What difference does the resurrection make to Christians? (A Year 5 Spring term question linked to theology)
- What does it mean to be human? Is being happy the greatest purpose in life? (A Year 6 Spring term question linked to philosophy)
Throughout their time in Primary School, children will learn about all main religions and worldviews ( Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Sikhism, Judaism, Humanism and Hinduism) and be able to draw on prior learning to discuss similarities and differences within these faiths and worldviews.