At Exeter a Learning Community we follow the Northamptonshire Agreed Syllabus for RE.
Our aim is to give all children a broad R.E. curriculum which covers all the major religions and non-religious views such as Humanism. This will enable children to acquire the knowledge and understanding of other people's beliefs and values, while also allowing them to reflect on their own beliefs and experiences. RE plays an important part in preparing pupils for life in modern Britain. Its importance is increasing as globalisation has created greater links and migration between societies of different faiths and cultures.
The aims of the syllabus are for pupils:
- to develop religious literacy;
- to acquire and develop knowledge and understanding of Christianity and the other principal religions and world views represented in the United Kingdom;
- to develop an understanding of the influence of the beliefs, values and traditions on individuals, communities, societies and cultures;
- to develop attitudes of respect towards other people who hold views and beliefs different from their own;
- to develop the ability to make reasoned and informed judgements about religious issues, with reference to the principal religions and world views represented locally and in the United Kingdom.
Religions deal with some of the most profound and difficult questions in human life, questions such as:
- What is the purpose of life?
- How should people treat each other?
- How do we explain and cope with death and suffering?
Religions approach these issues in complex ways, in ways of life, culture and action, as well as ritual, tradition, story, symbol and belief. Religious Education must take account of this depth and complexity, helping pupils to an understanding appropriate to their age and aptitude.
Within our RE lessons, we aim to:
- develop pupils' skills;
- enable them to ask questions;
- discover information, to approach new material with empathy;
- reflect on their learning.
Pupils should not only acquire knowledge but also be able to use their knowledge to understand their world, build community, and develop their personal position.
Throughout our RE. curriculum pupils are encouraged to explore religions, engage with their knowledge, and reflect on their learning and their lives. Within our R.E. lessons, there are opportunities for cross-curricular links, especially with PSHE and Literacy.
RE in the Early Years Foundation Stage support the achievement of the Early Learning Goals through appropriate subject content, according to the needs of the pupils and the resources and expertise of the staff.
Through Key Stages 1 and 2 RE will focus on Christianity whilst also drawing from Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism and Judaism, as well as non‐religious worldview such as Humanism, to provide appropriate depth and breadth to the exploration of the core questions and to meet the needs of the pupils. Reference to other religions, traditions, beliefs and lifestyles can be used to illustrate specific points, to reflect world events, or to include those represented in the class.
At Exeter a Learning Community, we welcome visitors from different religions to come and talk to the children about their faiths within RE. lessons and assemblies. Through our RE teaching, children will be able to ask and answer questions about people’s beliefs, respond sensitively to the beliefs of others and make links with their own experiences. This in turn will enable children to develop a respect for others and demonstrate understanding, empathy and tolerance towards other people and their faiths.