Religious Education
'As a family we grow, learn and flourish together.'
At Woodham Walter Church of England Primary School, we are committed to meeting the criteria outlined in the statement of entitlement for Religious Education (RE) while providing a rich and inclusive learning experience for our students. Our approach is grounded in the belief that every child should have the opportunity to flourish and live life to the fullest, a principle inspired by the Church of England's Vision for Education. We prioritise fostering dignity, respect, and inclusivity amongst our students, staff and the wider school community. We also respect the integrity of different religious traditions and the religious freedom of each individual.
To ensure a comprehensive and balanced RE curriculum, we allocate dedicated time to the study of Christianity, which is a central aspect of our school's ethos. In each year group, at least 50% of our curriculum time is dedicated to the study of Christianity. Additionally, we allocate a minimum of 5-10% of curriculum time to RE in key stages 1-2, allowing us to provide a robust and meaningful educational experience.
Our commitment extends beyond Christianity. We understand the importance of exposing our students to a diverse range of living world faiths, various views, and non-religious worldviews. Our curriculum is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of these belief systems, engaging them in meaningful dialogue, exploration of core concepts, and the examination of foundational texts, beliefs, rituals, and practices within these traditions. We also encourage students to explore how these beliefs may change in different times, places, and cultures, fostering an appreciation for cultural and religious diversity. Our interdisciplinary approach introduces students to disciplines like theology, philosophy, and the human and social sciences, equipping them with the skills needed for confident religious literacy, critical thinking, analysis, interpretation, evaluation, and reflection.
In summary, our Church of England primary school is dedicated to delivering a comprehensive and inclusive RE curriculum that aligns with the statement of entitlement. We provide sufficient time for the study of Christianity while ensuring that our curriculum embraces living world faiths, diverse views, and non-religious worldviews. Our approach promotes respect for diversity, encourages meaningful dialogue, and equips our students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a multicultural and pluralistic society.
We have based our curriculum and enquiry questions on understanding Christianity published by the Church of England's Education Office. This approach provides opportunities for theological, philosophical and human/social science enquiry as well as opportunities to make comparisons with other world faiths.
The core areas of study include:
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Creation
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The Fall
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People of God
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Incarnation
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Salvation
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Gospel
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Kingdom of God