Religious Education

Intent

At Balfour Infant School, we believe that it is important for all our pupils to learn from and about religion, so that they can understand the world around them. The aim of Religious Education in our school is to help children to acquire and develop knowledge and understanding of different religions; to appreciate the way that religious beliefs shape life and behaviour and enhance their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. We model to children the importance of showing empathy to others at all time. 

In accordance with Reflecting on Religion, Medway Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education and the Medway RE Guidance we aim to;

• Enable pupils to acquire knowledge and understanding of different religious and other worldviews, their impact on society, culture and the wider world; thus enabling pupils to express their own informed ideas and insights.
• Contribute to the development of pupils’ own spiritual/ philosophical convictions, exploring and enriching their own beliefs and values.

Implementation

The Medway Agreed Syllabus forms the foundation of the RE curriculum. At Balfour Infant School, we follow the Discovery RE scheme. The creative, enquiry based curriculum is clearly sequenced to ensure progression from starting points and through the years. This curriculum provides equality for all; high expectations of all groups aim to diminish any significant differences.

Throughout Key Stage One, pupils will explore at least two different principal religions, these include Christianity, Judaism and other world religions representative of our school and local community. In Key Stage One RE is taught discreetly. Pupils will learn about beliefs, practices and lifestyles in the world around them. Children will encounter and respond to a range of stories, artefacts and other religious materials. They learn to recognise that beliefs are expressed in a variety of ways and begin to use specialist vocabulary. They begin to understand the importance and value of religion and belief, especially for other children and their families. Pupils ask relevant questions and develop a sense of wonder about the world. They talk about what is important to themselves and others, valuing themselves, reflecting on their own feelings and experiences and developing a sense of belonging. All of the RE units begin with a question and our curriculum is designed to encourage creativity, imagination, enquiry, debate, discussion and independence.

Impact

Pupils will develop a good understanding of the beliefs of different religions including Christianity, Judaism, and others religions that are represented in the school community. The teaching of RE plays a crucial part in enabling children to develop into well balanced, inquisitive and tolerant adults in the diverse society that they live in today. The impact of RE will be through the children’s work books, photos on Tapestry, learning walks, the class learning journey floor book and pupil voice.

What do our children think of RE at Balfour Infant School?

Year R child: “I like talking to my talk partner in RE. I liked learning about Christmas.”

Year One child: “I like learning the stories and when we act the stories out. I know that people believe in different things.”

Year Two child: “I like learning about Christianity. We have learnt that the Bible teachers us lessons about how we should live our lives. I think everyone, even different religions can learn about kindness.”

RE Gallery