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RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Religion is a uniquely human phenomenon which helps many people make sense of what it means to be them.  Through the study of Christianity and other major world faiths, children at Broke Hall are challenged to think deeply about their own beliefs (religious or otherwise) and the beliefs of others.  The religions we study at Broke Hall reflect the diverse population of Ipswich and of Britain as a whole.

Intent:

At Broke Hall it is our intent that the curriculum, the planning, the teaching and assessment will provide high quality education in Religious Education; so that the children learn moreremember more and use new skills in their own lives and learning.  Children will learn that religion, philosophies and world views are an important part of the lives of many people.  They will learn that there are similarities and differences between and across belief systems which reflect the diversity of the societies they exist in.

Implementation:

We deliver our intended curriculum by implementing a well sequenced, well constructed curriculum which allows the children to build upon existing knowledge and skills.  

We use Jigsaw RE, which is an up-to-date curriculum produced in consultation with representatives from the world-views included and fully aligns with the Suffolk agreed syllabus for Religious Education.  Lessons and units of study follow a structure which gives the opportunity for children to reflect on their own feelings and beliefs, learn about the world view in question, and evaluate and apply critical thinking skills to what they have learned.

Impact:

At Broke Hall school the impact of Religious Education is that children are able to use new skills in their own lives and learning.   

Substantive and disciplinary knowledge in RE 

Jigsaw RE interactive resources are used to deliver the RE curriculum. These include and show a substantive and disciplinary approach to RE as well as developing the children’s personal knowledge. The accompanying progression grid for RE and knowledge organisers will outline what children will know and remember. Our RE curriculum is accessible to all students, with an emphasis on visual resources. Our RE curriculum supports teacher knowledge and promotes language and oracy.  

Disciplinary knowledge 

Our well-sequenced Jigsaw RE curriculum includes scholarly methods and tools that pupils use to learn and many are common to other humanities subjects. The “disciplines” in RE can be categorised as “Thinking theologically”, “Thinking philosophically”, “Thinking humanly/socially”. Children have the content of the curriculum modelled through clear and diverse visual representations. They can explore religious artefacts, providing sensory stimuli for all learners, including those with SEND.  The curriculum asks questions and promotes ambitious thinking when discussing religions and world views and the impact these have on people’s lives. 

British values 

At Broke Hall School we promote British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith. In learning about and discussing the many varied faiths and beliefs held in Britain today, RE allows children to explore British values at a very personal, human level. 

Assessment 

At Broke Hall, previous learning is reviewed within and across units studied. The language of learning and factual knowledge is discussed by referring to knowledge organisers. This allows teaching staff to revisit the essential knowledge to embed it in long-term memory. In some circumstances, it may be appropriate to use knowledge organisers from previous units of work.  Children complete self-assessment after each lesson based on the learning intentions.

Live marking or feedback within a lesson is given high priority. It allows staff to see if children have learnt what they need to know and to address any misconceptions in a timely manner. Other methods might include small group discussions using artefacts as a supportive resource. 

Enrichment

The RE curriculum is enriched in many ways; including excursions to places or worship, welcoming visitors from many faiths and world views into school, our annual "Food and festivals" week, marking World Religion Day, assemblies and including cultural celebrations and traditions across the taught and untaught curriculum.