WHY WE TEACH RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AND WORLD VIEWS
At Ravenscroft, we want our children to develop their knowledge and understanding of a range of religious and non-religious worldviews, which not only reflect the local community Kirkby serves but will also prepare pupils for the religious and belief diversity in Britain and the wider world; supporting our pupils to engage deeply with the questions raised by the study of religion and worldviews to enable pupils to hold balanced and well-informed conversations and to reflect on and develop their own personal worldviews.
We want our children to develop their knowledge of the world faiths, and their understanding and awareness of the beliefs of others. This contributes to their developing knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes, which are necessary for their self-fulfilment and their development as active and responsible citizens.
HOW WE TEACH RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AND WORLD VIEWS
At Ravenscroft, we follow the Wirral Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education and Worldviews 2019, in line with the National Curriculum. The curriculum strives to engage and challenge pupils through the exploration of core religious concepts and topics and there are opportunities in each key stage for children to build on previous learning and develop their skills over time through a range of current and engaging topics. Pupils apply their knowledge through producing pieces of work using high quality teaching materials and resources.
Each year group focuses on different topics to ensure continued development and understanding of beliefs and views in the subject as well as acquiring new knowledge. Teacher questioning develops and enables children to acquire an understanding of different beliefs, religions and worldviews and also enables children to acquire an understanding of social, moral, spiritual and cultural values.
As well as lessons, school visits and assemblies can promote RE by giving it a clear place in community, recognising and celebrating individual pupils’ cultures, beliefs and practices and by guiding children morally and supporting them with the choices they make. We work in partnership with local community groups and places of worship to give our children first hand experiences that will enhance their understanding of the world we live in and promote respect for others.
This includes:
- Visits to places of worship
- Visitors from different faith groups leading assemblies and workshops
- Assemblies that include stories and festivals from different religions and non-religious traditions to promote values or a moral message
EYFS:
In the Early Years, children are encouraged to explore and share their ideas regarding spirituality, faith and culture. Throughout the year, children explore the main themes of Christianity through the stories of Christmas and Easter. In addition to this they are given the opportunity to explore, through storytelling, the practice of other world religions.
WHAT YOUR CHILD WILL LEARN
- From different religions, beliefs, values and traditions while exploring their own beliefs and questions of meaning.
- To reflect on, consider, analyse, interpret and evaluate issues of truth, belief, faith and ethics and to communicate their responses.
- To develop their sense of identity and belonging. It enables them to flourish individually within their communities and as citizens in a global community.
- Its importance in preparing pupils for adult life, employment and lifelong learning.
- To develop respect for and sensitivity to others, in particular those whose faiths and beliefs are different from their own.
- To understand and to combat prejudice.
- To talk confidently about their wellbeing, moral and cultural development for the society in which they live.
- To have inquisitive minds, respect, tolerance and understanding for all those around them including themselves.
- A deep understanding of the main religions of the world, their community and their future.
* What is a worldview?
A worldview is a person’s way of understanding, experiencing and responding to the world. It can be described as a philosophy of life or an approach to life. This includes how a person understands the nature of reality and their own place in the world. A person’s worldview is likely to influence and be influenced by their beliefs, values, behaviours, experiences, identities and commitments.
Institutional worldviews include religious and non-religious worldviews, such as Humanism, Secularism or Atheism. Personal worldviews are an individual’s own way of understanding and living in the world, which may or may not draw one, or many, institutional worldviews. Commission on Religious Education, 2018.
