RE

Intent

At Brunel Field, we believe that RE can provoke challenging questions about the ultimate meaning and purpose of life, beliefs about God, the self and the nature of reality, issues of right and wrong and what it means to be human. We want RE to develop pupils’ knowledge and understanding of principal religions and worldviews that offer answers to these challenging questions. Our aim is to contribute to the development of pupils’ own spiritual/philosophical convictions, exploring and enriching their own beliefs, values and worldview. Through RE, pupils are encouraged to develop their sense of identity and belonging so that they can flourish individually within their communities and as citizens in a diverse society and global community. RE plays an important role in preparing pupils for adult life, employment and lifelong learning. It enables pupils to develop respect for and sensitivity to others, in particular those whose faiths and beliefs are different from their own. It promotes discernment and enables pupils to combat prejudice. Our aim is that our pupils become confident, reflective, spiritual and morally aware people who can play a role in shaping modern Britain.

Implementation

At Brunel Field, we use our Core Learning Skills and the values underpinning our education – Respect, Compassion, Joy and Commitment -to support the delivery of the locally agreed syllabus. Ashley Down Schools Federation uses the locally agreed syllabus for the teaching of RE entitled ‘Awareness, mystery and value’. Across key stages 1 and 2 children are taught to learn about and from a range of different religions (principally Christianity but also including Islam, Judaism, Hinduism and Buddhism); the aim is for children to answer a ‘big question’ through following an enquiry over a term. The curriculum enhances pupils’ awareness and understanding of religions and beliefs, teachings, practices and forms of expression, as well as of the influence of religion on individuals, families, communities and cultures. It also offers opportunities for personal reflection and spiritual development so that pupils can explore their own beliefs and questions of meaning. It challenges pupils to reflect on, consider, analyse, interpret and evaluate issues of truth, belief, faith and ethics and to communicate their responses. Religious Education at Ashley Down may be taught through Art, Drama, Music, Storytelling and investigating artefacts. We encourage children to develop a knowledge of the rich tradition of religious art and music; responding and reflecting on what they may learn from it. We try to bring in visitors and take children out to experience religion in the real world.

You have the right to withdraw your child from RE, if you wish to do so please contact the schools office.