Intent
At Kennall Vale it is our principle aim of religious education to explore what people believe and what difference this makes to how they live, so that our pupils gain the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to handle questions raised by religion and belief, reflecting on their own ideas and ways of living. Our principle aim is developed through the following points:
- make sense of a range of religious and non-religious beliefs, so that they can:
• identify, describe, explain and analyse beliefs and concepts in the context of living religions, using appropriate vocabulary
• explain how and why these beliefs are understood in different ways, by individuals and within communities
• recognise how and why sources of authority (e.g. texts, teachings, traditions, leaders) are used, expressed and interpreted in different ways, developing skills of interpretation
- understand the impact and significance of religious and non-religious beliefs, so that they can:
• examine and explain how and why people express their beliefs in diverse ways
• recognise and account for ways in which people put their beliefs into action in diverse ways, in their everyday lives, within their communities and in the wider world
• appreciate and appraise the significance of different ways of life and ways of expressing meaning
- make connections between religious and non-religious beliefs, concepts, practices and ideas studied, so that they can:
• evaluate, reflect on and enquire into key concepts and questions studied, responding thoughtfully and creatively, giving good reasons for their responses
• challenge the ideas studied, and allow the ideas studied to challenge their own thinking, articulating beliefs, values and commitments clearly in response
• discern possible connections between the ideas studied and their own ways of understanding the world, expressing their critical responses and personal reflections with increasing clarity and understanding
Implementation
At Kennall Vale, we follow the Cornwall Agreed Syllabus for RE 2020-2025. Children in EYFS and KS1 are taught at least 36 hours of RE a year; children in KS2 are taught at least 45 hours of RE a year. The aims of the Cornwall Agreed Syllabus are taught as units of work, half termly. We also deepen understanding by planning themed days throughout the year so that children have immersive opportunities to learn and supplement the Cornwall Agreed Syllabus. Teachers create lessons using high quality resources such as the Cornwall Agreed Syllabus units of study, supplemented and enriched by the use of plans developed by ‘REtoday’ and ‘Understanding Christianity’ online resources. The teaching and learning approach to R.E. at Kennall Vale has three core elements, as set out in the Cornwall Agreed Syllabus: Making Sense of Beliefs, Making Connections and Understanding the Impact. Where suitable, opportunities will be taken to make links across whole school learning and events such as whole school and class assemblies, the local community, news around the word and the exploration and understanding of British Values.
Impact
Kennall Vale’s religious education curriculum significantly contributes to all children’s Spiritual, Moral and Cultural development during their time at primary school. Children will express their understanding of the core concepts of world religions and the rich diversity of beliefs in the United Kingdom. Children will gain knowledge and understanding of religion in the local community and places linked to religion, such as Gwennap Pit and the religious buildings in Ponsanooth village and the surrounding area, such as Penryn and Falmouth. Children’s understanding will be recorded in their Curriculum books and whole class Floor-books.