R.E. is taught through formal lessons from Reception to Year 6. As a school we follow the Jigsaw R.E. scheme of work, and the Derbyshire Agreed Syllabus.
Intent
Our belief is that, using an enquiry-based model well, children’s critical thinking skills can be developed, their motivation to learn increased, and their knowledge and understanding of, and empathy with people and their beliefs, religious or otherwise, will be enhanced. This approach takes very seriously the philosophy that children are free to make their own choices and decisions concerning religion and belief. RE does not try to persuade but rather to inform and develop the skills with which evaluation can take place.
Implementation
• pupils need to learn subjects in sufficient depth so that they remember what they have learnt
• planning needs to be sufficiently detailed and sequenced so that pupils develop secure long-term understanding, building on what they have learnt before (NATRE, 2020)
Ensure depth, accurate subject knowledge, detailed planning and building on prior learning.
Every unit (enquiry) is based around a key question. The key question for the enquiry is such that it demands an answer that weighs up
‘evidence’ (subject knowledge) and reaches a conclusion based on this. This necessitates children using
their subject knowledge and applying it to the enquiry question, rather than this knowledge being an end in
itself. Discovery RE focuses on critical thinking skills, on personal reflection into the child’s own thoughts
and feelings, on growing subject knowledge and nurturing spiritual development
64 Enquiry modules covering Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism support the teacher to deliver engaging and challenging RE lessons with confidence.
Christianity is taught in every year group, with Christmas and Easter given fresh treatment each year, developing children’s learning in a progressive way.
Discovery RE Supports:
Ofsted and SIAMS outcomes
SMSC
British Values
Anti-radicalisation
Critical thinking and Growth Mindset
Personal Development
Impact
Pupils have an understanding of a wide range of faiths, beliefs and cultures.
Pupils are accepting and tolerant of other faiths, beliefs and cultures.
