Religious Education (RE)

Intent:

Religious Education has a vital role to play in promoting respect for, and understanding of, different religions and beliefs. Situated in the London Borough of Hounslow, we are proud to be surrounded by a rich diversity of faiths and cultures.

At Cavendish, children are taught about 6 major world religions, several of which have a prominent place in our community. Through an enquiry based approach, children develop knowledge, skills and understanding of the beliefs, practices and values of these religions, whilst also touching on the non-theistic beliefs of Humanists.

We aim to encourage children to think empathetically about, and discuss this learning to promote their Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) development. Thus, supporting children to become positive and compassionate citizens in an increasingly multicultural society. As well as, helping them to develop a sense of identity and confidence in their own beliefs and practices.

Implementation:

We teach RE as a discrete subject, taught by class teachers. It tailors the agreed syllabus for Hounslow: Widening Horizons and the Kapow Curriculum to the needs of our school, our location and geography of our local area. This curriculum combines disciplinary knowledge (ways of knowing), substantive knowledge (knowing about) and personal knowledge (knowing yourself). Key concepts: beliefs, wisdom & morality, practices and community & belonging are taught through an enquiry-based approach.

Enquiry skills are developed through a cycle that is used throughout the curriculum: Question, Investigate, Interpret, Evaluate, Apply, Express.

In Early Years, RE falls under the "Personal, Social and Emotional Development" (PSED) area of the EYFS, helping children develop a positive self-image, respect for others, and an understanding of differences. RE can be incorporated through stories, special people, places, and objects, fostering a sense of community and cultural awareness. Learning in Early Years prepares pupils with the knowledge, vocabulary and skills for the Key Stage One curriculum.

Teaching from Y1 to Year 6 uses Kapow tailored to our school and pupils. This rigorous curriculum ensures progression is coherent and connections can be made to prior learning, including cross curricular connections. Our curriculum ensures breadth and balance across the Early Years and the Key Stages, reflecting the needs of our diverse school community and making effective use of our locality.

Our Programmes of study and associated religions can be found in our RE Policy.

Impact:

Through the teaching of RE at Cavendish, all pupils will develop knowledge and skills by learning about and from religion.

Learning about religion:

Pupils use religious and other words and phrases to identify some features of religions and other belief systems and their importance for some people.
They show awareness of similarities in religions and other belief systems.
Pupils retell stories and suggest meanings for actions and symbols from religions and other belief systems.
They identify how religious and other beliefs are expressed in different ways.

Learning from religion

Pupils ask, and respond sensitively to, questions about their own and others’ experiences and feelings.
They acknowledge that some questions cause people to wonder and are difficult to answer.
In relation to matters of right and wrong, they recognise their own values and those of others.