Religious Education
Subject Intent:
Religious Education at Witnesham and Otley Federation aims to develop children’s understanding about world faiths and cultures. Our aim is to provide children with engaging and memorable experiences in religious education, whereby children have the opportunity to learn about- and from- religion, in a respectful and engaging way. Our children will learn about a range of world religions and make comparisons between them. They will understand how beliefs impact on how people of faith live and the motivations behind their choices and actions. We aim to increase their awareness and understanding of different cultures, faiths and world views whilst allowing the opportunity to ask questions and share their own views and beliefs. In doing so, our aim is for all children to have the opportunity to put their learning into practice in their own life, for example, demonstrating reconciliation when encountering fall outs.
In summary, our aims are for children to:
• Gain knowledge and understanding of a range of religions and worldviews, appreciating diversity and understanding the need for respect.
• Engage with challenging questions of meaning and purpose raised by human existence and experience.
• Explore their own ways of living, believing and thinking.
Implementation:
The topics that the children study have been developed using the Emmanuel Project and meet the requirements of the Suffolk Agreed Syllabus. A range of key religious festivals such as Divali, Rosh HaShanah and Christmas are explored either through whole school themed days, special assemblies or within the classroom. A combination of individual pupil workbooks and online learning journals record the children’s learning. The topics are introduced through the use of big questions as outlined in the Emmanuel Project and learning is developed through the stages of 'engage', 'enquire', 'explore', 'evaluate' and 'express'.
Please be aware that all parents/carers have the right to withdraw from all or part of the RE curriculum.