RE

Intent – What we are trying to achieve?

The intent of RE focusses around a threefold aim.

1. Know about and understand a range of religions and worldviews, so that they can: 

• 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. 

1. Express ideas and insights about the nature, significance and impact of religions and worldviews, so that they can:

 • 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.

1. Gain and deploy 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 in order to explain why they may be important in their own and other people’s lives. 

Implementation – How will we achieve this?
Planning : Teachers will plan weekly RE lessons based on the current Derbyshire Agreed Syllabus which was implemented in 2020 and will be in place until its review in 2025. The syllabus sets out the questions to be asked to encourage the children to enquire, investigate and respond. It also sets out which religions are to be covered and at which ages these lessons should be taught.

Whole Class Teaching: This will ensure all children receive the same opportunities. Learning intention questions will be shared at the start of each RE session. Key vocabulary is shared and discussed so every child knows the appropriate vocabulary for the lesson.

Teachers will provide clear and detailed explanations and opportunities for children to discuss, question and debate the content of the lesson.

Written tasks may be differentiated with scaffolding or adapted resources for lower learners and more challenging, stretching activities for higher ability.

Where possible a range of primary and secondary resources will be available e.g. artefacts, books, photographs, videos etc.

Marking and Feedback: The purpose of marking and feedback is to identify and address misconceptions quickly which allows them to make progress within lessons.

Impact – What difference will this make?
‘All children need to acquire core knowledge and understanding of the beliefs and practices of the religions and worldviews which not only shape their history and culture but which guide their own development. The modern world needs young people who are sufficiently confident in their own beliefs and values that they can respect the religious and cultural differences of others, and contribute to a cohesive and compassionate society.’

(The Right Hon, Michael Gove, former Secretary of State for Education, 2013 RE Review and new 'non-statutory' National Curriculum Framework for RE

 The impact of RE lessons is to develop in our children the ability to question beliefs, develop their own beliefs and values and to have tolerance and understanding of the beliefs of others.