Subject Vision (Intent, Implementation, Impact):
Ferndale’s Religious Education Vision
Religious Education has never been as important as it is today. At Ferndale, our RE vision is that; alongside a knowledge rich learning environment, we support all children to feel safe and secure empowering them to develop and express their own views and beliefs.
It is our intent know about and understand a range of religions and worldviews. We want them to be able to can express ideas and insights about the nature, significance and impact of religions and worldviews. They will also gain and use the skills needed to engage with religions and worldviews.
Through the implementation of weekly lessons, taught by passionate teachers, children will explore the big questions of life. They will consider what people believe and the difference this makes to their lives after which the children can start to make sense of religion and reflect on their own beliefs and ways of living.
Through our teaching of RE we hope the impact will be, that Ferndale children will be respectful of other people’s beliefs as well as developing confidence in their own ideas, beliefs and values so that they can participate positively in our diverse society.
For Religious Education at Ferndale we follow the locally agreed syllabus. We give children an opportunity to develop a knowledge and understanding of the religious practices and beliefs of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism. Through this curriculum we provide a positive context within which the diversity of cultures, beliefs and values can be explored. The children are encouraged to reflect on their own developing beliefs and values and to be respectful of the beliefs and values of others through understanding their traditions and practices. Opportunities are given for children to question and suggest answers relating to their own religious practices and those of others.
Art, Drama and Music are used to involve children in exploring, their understanding of different religious beliefs and traditions. Pictures, artefacts and stories are also used to give children a visual point of reference. In contrast, periods of stillness and reflection are also part of lessons, when appropriate.
Throughout the year, children have opportunities to meet people from our local community who share their own personal experiences of how their faith is part of their lives.
At Ferndale, we encourage an inclusive community approach to Religious Education. However, parents are legally able to withdraw children from Collective Worship or Religious Education. Parents wishing to do so should contact the Head Teacher to discuss any anxieties they may have in regard to the school’s Religious Education policy.
Website to support the learning of RE:
To view the BBC website which supports the understanding of RE with games and resources, click here.
Click here, for a guide for parents on RE within primary school.
