RE Curriculum Statement 

Our School Values are: Agape, Courage, Thankfulness

Our school motto is: Inquisitive Thinkers; Inspired Learners; Kind Hearts    

Religious education in a church school should enable every child to flourish and to live life in all its fullness. (John 10:10) It will help educate for dignity and respect, encouraging all to live well together.

A Statement of Entitlement, The Church of England, February 2019 

Our school is guided by Christian faith and by our school values. We want all children to be inspired learners, who enjoy learning and want to understand the world; have kind hearts, who show care, love and respect for others; and be inquisitive thinkers, who ask questions and think deeply. Through Religious Education (RE), we help children learn about Christianity and other world views so they can live out our school values in the wider world.

Curriculum

RE is a required subject in all schools in England. It is an academic subject that teaches children about the beliefs, practices and values of the major world views. The school follows the Cambridgeshire County Council agreed syllabus for RE, supported by Understanding Christianity and the Emmanuel Project. Each topic includes a key question and new vocabulary, and children are encouraged to talk, think and reflect. This supports them in becoming confident, thoughtful learners.

Children begin learning RE in the Early Years through stories, discussion and play. Each term they explore questions and learn about religious festivals such as Christmas, Eid and Diwali. As children move through school, they continue to build their understanding. In Key Stage 1, children receive at least 36 hours of RE each year, and in Key Stage 2 they receive at least 45 hours. RE is taught in weekly lessons or in blocks of lessons, as long as all learning is covered.

Enrichment 

RE learning is enriched through special activities and visits. Children take part in Godly Play and visit St Andrew’s Church, as well as other places of worship such as the local mosque and synagogue. Visitors from different faiths also come into school, such as members of the Faraday Institute. These experiences help children see how faith is lived out in real life. RE currently makes up about 6.6% of teaching time, and we continue to look for ways to increase this.

The Right to Withdraw

Cherry Hinton Church of England (VC) Primary is an inclusive school but recognises that parents have a legal right to withdraw their children from Religious Education on the grounds of conscience. However, the right of withdrawal does not extend to other areas of the curriculum when, as may happen on occasion, spontaneous questions on religious matters are raised by pupils or there are issues related to religion that arise in other subjects such as history or PHSE.

We would ask any parent considering withdrawal to read the RE policy for more information and then contact the Headteacher.