RE
Religious Education enables children to investigate and reflect on some of the most fundamental questions asked by people. At St John’s, we develop the children's knowledge and understanding of the major world faiths, and we provide opportunities for children to ask and reflect on challenging questions about the meaning and purpose of life, beliefs, the self, issues of right and wrong and what it means to be human. We enable children to develop a sound knowledge not only of Christianity but also of other world religions. Children reflect on what it means to have a faith and develop their own spiritual knowledge and understanding. We help the children to learn from religions as well as about religions. We also teach religious investigation skills. It is also important that they develop investigative skills when learning in RE.
As a Church of England school, here at St John’s, Religious Education and Christian values are at the heart of our ethos and learning. Our school church is St John the Baptist, Colwick and our wonderful supportive vicar is called Reverend Amanda. Reverend Amanda and our governors have a lot of involvement with us and provide a lot of support to us, our school and our teachers. Our collective worship takes place at school and through regular church services, particularly at key religious festivals.
We pray at least 4 times a day as part of our collective worship and daily routines. We have our regular prayers and are encouraged to think of our own. We have a reflection shed where we can go to think quietly, talk to God and spend time reflecting upon deeper questions of life. Our RE themed days are great fun and are usually extremely arty and messy! The whole school comes together to learn about or focus on a particular aspect of Christianity or other religions.
Each half term a different Biblical theme underpins our Collective Worship. This year, those themes are:
- Love
- Justice
- Forgiveness
- Thankfulness
- Hope
- Humility
- Wisdom
- Encouragers
- Resilience
- Self-discipline
The work that our children do in class is based upon the agreed syllabus for the Nottinghamshire LEA. In light of the Agreed Syllabus due out in November 2020, this is under review and the updated version will come into effect in January 2021. Much of the work is also supported by the scheme "Understanding Christianity", which is recommended by the diocese and is used across the country to much acclaim. We ensure that the topics studied build upon prior learning. We offer opportunities for children of all abilities to develop their skills and knowledge in each unit, and we ensure that the planned progression built into the scheme of work offers the children an increasing challenge as they move through school.
Our Aims
- Through the teaching of Religious Education we aim to:
- Develop moral and social understanding through exploring the concepts of religion and belief and their roles in the spiritual, moral and cultural lives of the people in our society
- Develop an awareness of spiritual and moral issues in life experiences
- Develop an understanding of religious traditions and to appreciate the cultural differences in Britain today
- Develop knowledge and understanding of Christianity and other major world religions and value systems found in Britain
- Have an understanding of what it means to be committed to a religious tradition
- Provide opportunities to promote an ethos of respect for others, tolerance, challenge stereotypes, celebrate diversity and build an understanding of other cultures and beliefs
- Be able to reflect on own experiences and to develop a personal response to the fundamental questions of life
Whole School Topics for RE