RE
Intent
The teaching of RE will allow our pupils to learn about the world around them and encourage them ask and answer challenging questions. We aim to equip all our children with knowledge and understanding of a range of religions and world views, enabling them to develop their ideas, values and identity. Our curriculum will cultivate their spiritual, moral social and cultural development. Each lesson will encourage open discussions and teach our pupils the importance of mutual respect. RE at Waverley allows children to investigate, develop, and reinforce their own religion and values while also fostering an understanding for others' faiths and beliefs. We are dedicated to ensuring that our children feel safe and comfortable, and learn in an environment where they are confident to express themselves.
Implementation
In Foundations@Waverley our children are taught RE through the ‘Understanding The World’ strand of the EYFS curriculum. They take part in discussions, activities and celebrations that allow them to communicate effectively and to meet the UTW curriculum goals. They are supported to make connections between the features of their family and other families; develop positive attitudes about the differences between people; understand that people have different beliefs and celebrate special times in different ways; and much more.
Throughout Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 RE is based upon the Rotherham Agreed Syllabus within the National Curriculum. The units covered within our planning ensure that pupils develop knowledge and understanding of the principal religions in Great Britain. The table below shows the religions studied in each year group.
When studying a religion, the children learn key facts, read and enjoy stories, discussing the morals taught and think about how the religion relates to their own life. They will cover a range of themes by taking part in different activities.
Key Stage 1
Key Stage 2
Pupils will develop the skills needed to have a deep understanding of different religions so that they are able to make connections and link their learning not only throughout RE but with other subjects as well. They will ask and answer questions, research, observe, consider, debate, describe and discuss.
Key Stage 1
Key Stage 2
All staff and children meet for daily worship. This can be in a variety of forms including class stories and Key Stage or whole school assemblies. The content of our assemblies encourages a positive ethos of tolerance, caring and understanding for all. Assemblies are used to reinforce and develop school standards.
Impact
The children at Waverley Junior Academy enjoy learning about a wide variety of different religions. We are lucky to have children who come from a range of different backgrounds and we love having the chance to celebrate all the ways in which we are different. Through their R.E. learning, the children are able to make links between their own lives, those of others in the community and in the wider world. Our pupils develop an understanding of other peoples' cultures and ways of life and are able to talk confidently about what they, and others, believe. All pupils show high levels of self-awareness, ambition, respect and empathy and become well-rounded citizens.
Supporting documents
Please check below to see the WJA Long Term Plan
R.E @ Waverley Junior Academy
R.E Events
Each year we learn about different religious and cultural festivals and celebrations. This may include pupils taking in part in special assemblies, creative activities and themed days/ weeks. The events we celebrate include Diwali, Chinese New Year, Holi Day, Christmas, Ramandam, Eid, Easter and Diversity Day.
We also arrange for our pupils to visit different places of worship and invite visitors (including parents) into the academy to talk about their own experiences and beliefs.
Useful websites
RE is provided for all pupils, and is inclusive and broad minded. Parents do have the right to withdraw pupils from RE: if you wish to do this, please make an appointment with the Principal / RE subject leader.
If you have any questions about how R.E is taught within school or how to further support your children at home please do not hesitate to contact Miss Haywood (R.E Lead).