Religious Education
Curriculum Intent
At Coupals Primary Academy, At Place Farm, we provide opportunities for the development of knowledge, skills and understanding which stimulate pupils’ interest and enjoyment in learning and encourage the best possible progress and attainment for all in Religious Education. We promote the development of the capacity to think coherently and consistently, enabling children to evaluate their own views, and those of others, in a reasoned and informed manner.
We ensure we promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and prepare all pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life. This enables pupils to appreciate their own and others’ beliefs and cultures and how these impact on individuals, communities, societies and cultures. We seek to develop children’s awareness of themselves and others, enabling them to develop a clear understanding of the significance of religion in their own area as well as around the world today. Additionally, we enable pupils to learn
about the ways different faith communities relate to each other and to society as a whole.
We also aim to promote religious understanding and respect, and to challenge prejudice, discrimination and simplistic stereotyping. We aim to promote each pupil’s self-worth, enabling them to reflect on their uniqueness as human beings, to share their feelings and emotions with others and to appreciate the importance of forming and maintaining positive relationships. We are also committed to exploring the significance of humanity in relation to the environment, and the beliefs people hold about their responsibility towards it.
Implementation
Coupals uses Jigsaw RE, which provides a progressive and enquiry-based Religious Education curriculum that supports pupils in developing both religious literacy and critical thinking skills. Jigsaw RE encourages children to explore significant questions about beliefs, values, meaning and belonging, while developing respect and understanding for different faiths and worldviews.
At Coupals, the following religions have been selected for study:
- Christianity
- Islam
- Judaism
- Hinduism
- Buddhism
- Sikhism
- Humanism
Religious Education lessons are taught each week. Through Jigsaw RE, children engage with carefully sequenced units of learning that build knowledge, understanding and vocabulary progressively across the school. The curriculum enables pupils to investigate important questions, consider a range of perspectives and reflect on their own beliefs and experiences.
Learning is structured around enquiry, discussion and reflection, allowing children to deepen their understanding of religion and worldviews in meaningful contexts.
Through our planning, we provide sufficient challenge and opportunities for questioning to develop pupils’ curiosity and understanding of the world around them. Teachers create engaging lessons using a range of resources, including stories, artefacts, visitors, places of worship and opportunities for discussion, to help children appreciate the diversity of beliefs and practices within and across faith communities.
Our curriculum encourages all children to develop positive attitudes towards learning and towards the beliefs and values of others. Teachers promote self-awareness, respect, open-mindedness, empathy and appreciation of the diverse world in which we live. Through the study of religion and worldviews, pupils are supported to become thoughtful, respectful and informed members of society.
Impact
Our approach to Religious Education means that the children at Place Farm enjoy learning about different religions and worldviews and understand why people choose, or do not choose, to follow and practise a religion. Through their RE learning, children are able to make links between their own lives and those of others in their community and in the wider world, developing an understanding of different cultures, beliefs and ways of life.
Pupils develop the knowledge, vocabulary and critical thinking skills needed to discuss religious and non-religious perspectives with confidence and respect. They learn to ask thoughtful questions, reflect on their own ideas and appreciate the diversity that exists within modern Britain and the wider world. As such, Religious Education plays a valuable role in developing children’s understanding of themselves, others and the world in which they live.
Parents and carers have the right to withdraw their child from all or part of RE (Religious Education). If you are considering this, please speak with the Head of School.
