Padstow School

Religious Education

Religious education enables children to investigate and reflect on some of the most fundamental and awe-inspiring questions asked by people since the beginning of time.

At Padstow School, we develop the children’s knowledge and understanding of the major faiths and address fundamental questions which are discussed and reflected upon. Children develop their own spiritual knowledge and understanding in a supportive and open environment.

We are not a faith school, but we value our children's moral and spiritual development. Above all, we aim to develop our children as respectful, tolerant and questioning citizens of the world.

How do we teach RE?

Our curriculum is centred around the Cornwall Agreed Syllabus. We develop children’s knowledge and understanding of some of the major world faiths by exploring the beliefs, values and traditions. R.E. is delivered in discrete lessons as well as being linked with other subjects as appropriate. We enhance our children’s understanding of our multicultural society and encourage respect and sensitivity towards other people and their beliefs. We use the RE today planning scheme to ensure progression from EYFS to Year 6. As much as possible, we use a hands-on approach to inspire our learners.

We are lucky to have visits from a variety of visitors, in particular the local vicar. We hope to reinstate these after the pandemic restrictions are eased.

RE is for all pupils

• Every pupil has a legal entitlement to RE.

• RE is a necessary part of a ‘broad and balanced curriculum’ and must be provided for all registered pupils in state-funded schools in England.

Parental right of withdrawal from RE

In the UK, parents have the right to withdraw their children from RE on the grounds that they wish to provide their own RE. This provision will be the parents’ responsibility. This right of withdrawal exists for all pupils in all types of school, including schools with and without a religious designation. Parents also have the right to withdraw their child from part of RE and can do so without giving any explanation.

Any requests to withdraw a child from RE must be put in writing to the Head of School but we do encourage you to have a conversation with us about your concerns first.

What difference does learning in RE make?

Children will:

• know about different religious traditions and non-religious world-views;

• understand the main beliefs and practices of these traditions;

• understand how religious identity influences people's lives;

• be able to express views about the nature, value and significance of religion for people and the planet;

• have opportunities to consider challenging questions of meaning, purpose, truth, values and commitments. and the answers offered by religions and non-religious world views;

• develop skills of enquiry, analysis and evaluation and be able to articulate their own considered ideas in relation to these challenging questions.

RE is locally determined, not nationally

• A locally agreed syllabus is a statutory syllabus for RE, recommended by a local standing advisory committee for RE (SACRE) for adoption by a local authority.

• As part of this local commitment to R.E at Padstow School we teach 3 units of work with a Cornish theme from the Curriculum Kernewyk. These can be seen in our RE Curriculum Overview as CK4RE.

INTENT

To build a curriculum where the children of Padstow School can explore what people believe and what difference this makes to how they live. To acquire the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to handle questions raised by religion and belief. To be able to reflect on their own ideas and ways of living, expressing themselves with confidence.