Religious Education
Intent
Religious Education (RE) makes an important contribution to the spiritual, moral, cultural and social development of our pupils. This helps children to develop a positive attitude towards other people, respecting their rights to hold different beliefs from their own, and towards living in a diverse community of many religions and beliefs. During Religious Education lessons, our children enquire and explore questions arising from the exploration of different religions. Using a variety of techniques, such as art, poetry, and artefacts, children can apply their creativity to develop their knowledge of world religions.
Implementation
At Southwark Park School RE is planned and taught with regard to the agreed syllabus for all schools in the borough of Southwark. We offer weekly RE lessons to all pupils guided by specific half termly units. In KS2 these lessons are often taught through philosophy to encourage deeper thinking through discussion and debate.
Across the school we provide further opportunities to learn from religious beliefs and practice including PSHE and circle time. Children frequently draw from their religious and cultural knowledge and experiences linking this to other topics explored throughout the year.
In addition to this, RE is taught and promoted through whole school assemblies, celebrations and events. We aim to make wider links throughout the community by visiting local places of religious interest and worship, as well as inviting religious and cultural leaders to speak to us.
Impact
Each half term children focus on a specific unit which hone in on a question and allows them to explore the six main religions; Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism, simultaneously. These specific units allow opportunities for further exploration through visitors, trips, and events as well as allowing progression of knowledge and skills across the year. Through the teaching of the six major religions, children leave Southwark Park with the necessary understanding of the different belief structures which enables them to be respectful, more tolerant citizens in the wider community.
