Intent: To develop children’s personal, social and spiritual development to enable the understanding of a range of religions and growth of empathy and respect.
Hillside Primary School is a multicultural school with a rich diversity of children from a range of cultural and religious backgrounds. This includes children practising a range of both Chrisitan and other religions. In the delivery of our curriculum we are therefore mindful of and sensitive towards the nuances of each religion and the individuals we teach.
We believe RE is more than just learning about different faiths. It helps with personal development and supports an understanding of the spiritual, moral, social and cultural questions that surface again and again in our children’s lives. In tackling difficult questions and through reflective practice, RE provides pupils with insight that can work to challenge stereotypes, promote cohesion and tackle extremism.
Our RE curriculum is supported through the use of Discovery RE, our Language and Culture Curriculum, PSHE and SMSC. We work closely with local faith organisations to enrich our children’s experiences and understanding of different religions.
Discovery RE is an enquiry based approach making RE exciting and engaging for children.
Christianity is taught in every year group, with the children’s knowledge of Christmas and Easter being revisited and developed annually. We enhance this further through our Language and Culture Curriculum which teaches the cultural similarities and differences of these two key Christian festivals in Romania, Poland and Portugal. Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism are also taught in depth during each child’s primary career.
British Values: Religious Education is a key player in engendering knowledge and understanding which can lead to tolerance and respect for others and their beliefs. It does not, however, teach children to passively accept, but rather encourages evaluation and critical thinking, equipping them to consider their beliefs.
“We are all people, we should embrace everyone.”
Jessica, Inter-Faith Week
