RE Statement

Religious Education

Our Goal                                                        Passion for Learning...

 At Bentley St Paul's, we want our all our children to have a passion for learning where they gain life – long learning skills; a sense of adventure; the ability to enquire and make emotional connections.  

Our Christian Values

Friendship, Forgiveness, Trust, Peace, Wisdom, Responsibility, Respect and Reverence underpin all that we do and are the foundations of our drivers.

Our Tools

Religious Education, What we want the children to know:

The intent of our Religious Education (RE) curriculum is to provide a rich, engaging, and reflective programme of study that enables all pupils to explore the diverse world of beliefs, values, and traditions, with a particular emphasis on Christianity, in line with the Church of England's distinctiveness and ethos. Our aims are as follows:

1. Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural (SMSC) Development: To foster students' spiritual and moral understanding, encouraging them to reflect on their own beliefs and values while developing respect and understanding for the beliefs of others.
2. Critical Thinking: To stimulate curiosity and critical thinking, allowing pupils to question, debate, and explore complex themes pertinent to RE, promoting an atmosphere of inquiry and respect.
3. Christian Values and Teachings: To immerse pupils in Christian teachings and values, underpinned by Biblical scriptures and the Church of England's teachings, enabling them to appreciate the narrative of the Christian faith and its implications in contemporary society.
4. Personal Growth: To support the personal growth and identity of pupils, equipping them with the understanding and skills necessary to navigate a multicultural and multi-faith society.
 

By pursuing this intent, we aim to ensure that pupils leave our school with a well-rounded religious literacy and the ability to engage thoughtfully with a variety of worldviews.

Religious Education, How we teach:

The implementation of our RE curriculum is strategic and reflective of best practices in the field. Key features include:

1. Curriculum Design: Our RE curriculum is carefully sequenced, spanning from EYFS to Year 6, ensuring a progressive depth of knowledge and understanding of Christianity and other main world religions. We use the Essex RE syllabus which has been agreed by the Chelmsford Diocese, adapting it to meet the specific needs of our pupils while ensuring children learn and understand a range of religious and non-religious worldviews by learning to see these through theological, philosophical and human/social science lenses.
2. Teaching Pedagogy: Lessons are delivered using diverse teaching strategies, including interactive storytelling, collaborative learning, and critical discussions. Teachers are trained to facilitate open-ended questions that encourage pupils to articulate their thoughts and engage in meaningful dialogue.
3. Assessment and Feedback: We employ formative and summative assessment strategies to monitor pupil progress and understanding. Regular feedback is given to students, helping them to reflect on their learning
and set personal goals. This process gathers insights from various stakeholders, including pupils, parents,
and governors.
4. Community and Parental Engagement: We actively involve parents and the wider community by hosting
themed events, church services, and workshops to enrich our RE curriculum, fostering a shared
understanding of values and beliefs.
5. Professional Development: Our staff receive ongoing professional development, including training sessions and partnerships with local churches and RE organisations. This investment enables teachers to deepen their subject knowledge and pedagogical skills.

Religious Education Impact

The impact of our RE curriculum is evidenced through a range of qualitative and quantitative measures:

1. Pupil Engagement: Pupils demonstrate a high level of engagement and enthusiasm for RE lessons, reflecting a genuine curiosity about different beliefs and practices. This is evidenced through lesson observations, where pupils are observed participating actively and thoughtfully.
2. Academic Outcomes: Data shows that the majority of pupils achieve or exceed age-related expectations in RE. Regular assessments indicate a sound grasp of religious concepts and a clear development of critical thinking skills, helping pupils to articulate their understanding effectively.
3. SMSC Development: Our school climate fosters strong SMSC outcomes, with pupils showing respect and understanding for diverse beliefs. Surveys and interviews with pupils reflect their appreciation for different cultures and beliefs, indicating a level of maturity in handling sensitive discussions.
4. Community Impact: Parents and community members report an increased understanding and appreciation of the role of faith in personal and communal life through our various initiatives. This reflects our commitment to being a central part of the community and enhancing social cohesion.
5. Personal Development: Pupils demonstrate confidence in discussing their beliefs and engaging with others, equipping them with crucial life skills. They articulate how their understanding of RE contributes to their moral framework and ethical decision-making.

In summary, our RE curriculum not only meets but exceeds both SIAMS and Ofsted's criteria for outstanding
provision, ensuring that children leave our school with a profound understanding and respect for diverse beliefs within a Christian framework.