Religious Education

At Westvale Park, we provide children with a range of opportunities and experiences in Religious Education (RE) so they develop a broad understanding of the subject. We follow the Surrey Agreed Syllabus for RE. Our main aim is to develop tolerance, respect and understanding of others and their beliefs. At Westvale Park, we feel the best way to do this is to enrich learning by children having first hand experiences through trips, visits and workshops. These practical, hands on experiences encourage curiosity, develop understanding and instil the tolerance needed to thrive in our diverse community. These approaches help to promote British Values and Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) development, supporting children with the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of the present day and the future.

The Surrey agreed syllabus for Religious Education aims that all children:

• Demonstrate an appreciation of the nature of religion and belief and the important contribution of religious

  and spiritual insights and values to the individual’s search for meaning in life, whilst acknowledging that

  this may also come from a non-religious perspective.

• Develop knowledge and understanding of Christianity, and of the other principal religions and beliefs

  represented in Great Britain, both through their history and contemporary diverse expressions.

• Develop interest in and enthusiasm for the study of religion & beliefs and enhance their own spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

• Develop the ability to make reasoned, informed and creative responses to religious and moral issues.

• Recognise the influence of beliefs, values and traditions on the individual, and on culture and communities

  throughout the world.

Lessons for each year group are planned collaboratively using our Progression Overviews to ensure that children develop the necessary skills needed to deepen their understanding and knowledge in RE. In Reception and Nursery, teachers also use the area in development matters titled, ‘Understanding The World’ to teach a broad and rich RE curriculum. Learning objectives and success criteria are taken from the Surrey Syllabus to ensure teachers can assess children’s learning and understanding.

We teach RE at least three times a half term. However, this may change throughout the year as, where appropriate, as RE is also taught when religious festivals and celebrations occur in the annual calendar, to ensure children have meaningful experiences. As a result, children may experience several RE lessons in one week. Working in this way allows the school to invite local communities in to deliver workshops and assemblies, putting the learning into context. Daily assemblies also encouraging reflection.