Polices » R.E Policy

---

The content of our policy follows the Kirklees syllabus. It reflects the requirements of the 1988 E.R.A that the content "shall reflect that the religious traditions of Great Britain are, in the main, Christian, whilst taking account of the teachings and practices of the other religions represent". We also recognise that there are many children whose background is mainly secular.

---

Why should there be R.E?

For R.E to have a proper place within the curriculum it must be justified on educational, rather than religious grounds. For millions of people throughout history and today religion has been a major factor in shaping how they live their lives. Our task is to enable pupils to understand how the lives of believers are affected by religion, faith and spiritual experience; what goes on in their homes, their meeting places and how their faith is put into practice. R.E is therefore the education of pupils about religion and what can be learnt from it, rather than indoctrination. (Based on Kirklees Agreed Syllabus)

---

Aims

1. To develop knowledge and understanding of the 3 chosen faiths-Christianity, Islam and Sikhism-and how the influence of beliefs, values and traditions shape each community.

2. To develop positive attitudes towards others and their rights to hold different views.

3. To foster an environment in which each child values itself and its own beliefs, providing opportunities to share and explore their own emotions and feelings.

4. To enhance each child's spiritual, moral, cultural and social development; providing opportunities to develop reflective attitudes to life's experiences.

---

Equal Opportunities

1. This is approached with sensitivity, avoiding stereotyping. Discrimination on grounds of race, gender, class, disability or religion will be challenged wherever it appears.

2. To encourage each child to fulfil its potential we need to show that cultural, religious and linguistic diversity is valued.

3. Under the 1988 E.R.A parents and teachers right to withdraw remains unchanged, we respect this right. Children who withdraw must remain supervised.

---

Planning

1. The equivalent of a minimum of one hour a week should be devoted to R.E over the term-this does not include collective worship.

2. Where possible it will be related to another area of the curriculum being taught.

3. A long term plan has been developed for each year group. Medium term planning guidance for most units is available from the co-ordinator to be updated with the new 'Thinking Skills' approaches by teachers as 2003-4 progresses. This ensures progression and prevents omissions.

4. Each unit's planning is based upon the syllabus strands and one or more objectives (numbering for these are unlike N.C/QCA codes) T1/T2 are used to guide the preparation of schemes of work for the mainly mixed faith units.

5. Our approach is mainly implicit (looking at feelings, responses & what we learn from religion-T1 ) and explicit (beliefs, writings & practices- learning about religion- T2)

6. The learning experience should be as varied as possible, promoting first hand experience where possible, including: the use of artefacts, visits to places of worship, use of religious music, artwork, foods, role play, drama, clothing, visits by members of the different faiths and time for reflection/evaluation.

---

Assessment

This, as yet, has no clearly defined structure. There are no national tests for R.E, however level descriptors in the Kirklees Handbook are a useful planning & assessment tool; and include child friendly statements & P levels. Assessment will be a focus in 2004. Many tools can be used, including writing, observation, the 'Thinking Skills' tasks, debate, creative work and drama

---

Resources

We have a selection of multi-faith and personal development books in the library. Artefacts are stored in the 'Literacy Room', or order from Books +. £500 has been made available for resources from the 'R.E and Inclusion Project' and will be spent on resourcing the medium term planning. Resources need to be treated with respect as they are religious artefacts not just visual aids. The Kirklees Handbook is a superb resource, full of guidance and support materials.

---