How do we teach?
Religious Education at Manor Primary covers the requirements of the Locally Agreed Syllabi in the Oxford Diocese and is designed to meet the recommendations of the Church of England Education Office Statement of Entitlement for RE, published in 2016.
Each unit has a “Big Question” which has been created to allow children to experience a range of theological, philosophical and social elements. The big questions address syllabus questions and topics. Christianity is the main religion taught, in accordance with the national guidelines. In addition, Judaism is taught in KS1, and in KS2 there are units on Hinduism, Islam and Sikhism.
Each question is taught and explored in a four-stage model:
Engage- Introduces the big question in a context the children are familiar with
Enquire- Introduces the religious/faith context of the question
Evaluate- Children answer the ‘big question’
Reflect- What have the children learned? Has it changed their thinking?
Why do we teach in this way?
In conjunction with our PSHE curriculum, RE lessons at Manor Primary School encourage our children to explore, listen and discuss different religions and cultures in a measured and respectful way.
The four-part model allows the children to explore a ‘big question’ in detail. The children are given every opportunity to take part in open discussions on their learning and to evaluate how this is affecting their thoughts and actions. All big questions are taught as a reflective and comparative unit. We study a non-denominational view.
Where possible, the children are given the opportunity to view religious objects and to visit places of worship. Our children also take part in Christingle services and our younger members perform the Nativity each year.
Our aim is to promote tolerance, understanding and community in our children.
How is this adapted for vulnerable learners and high attainers?
RE lessons are accessible to all as they are heavily discussion based where all children are supported by mixed ability talk partners and trios. Scaffolding is provided where appropriate and all children are able to achieve.
The scheme allows scope to move beyond the plans if the children’s questioning and investigating opens up other interesting avenues for enquiry which allows for higher attainers to work to their potential.
