RE

At Fordingbridge Federation Religious Education is taught to all children except for those withdrawn at the wish of their parents. Our planning follows the Hampshire County Council agreed syllabus  Living Difference IV.

During their time at Fordingbridge, children explore Christianity and other religions. They learn about different beliefs about God and the world around them. They encounter and respond to a range of stories, artefacts and other religious material relevant to both these religions . Throughout school, children learn that beliefs are expressed in different ways by different people. They get the chance to understand the importance and value of religious belief, especially for other children and their families. Children get the chance to talk about what is important to them and others, valuing themselves, reflecting on their own feelings and experiences and developing a sense of belonging.

Intent

Our vision for RE teaching and learning is to engage and enthuse the children to learn.  We want to prepare them for a life in a world with multiple viewpoints, nurturing their own spiritual development. We aim to give children the confidence to voice their own views and to respect the views of others. We strive to give the children space to ask the big and difficult questions that can be tackled within a safe context.

We want our children to enjoy RE and to develop resilient responses to misunderstandings, stereotyping and division. We provide them with opportunities to increase their cultural capital by exposure to different faiths and cultures. We include and promote British values, helping children to be aware of their rights and responsibilities as UK citizens.

Our curriculum is designed to encourage creativity, imagination, enquiry, debate, discussion and independence.

Implementation

As a Hampshire school we follow the agreed syllabus Living Difference 1V, alongside Discovery RE as our scheme of work.  Christianity is covered in every year group alongside one other religion in Key stage one, and two other religions in Key Stage two. British values and SMSC are an integral part of Discovery RE and are clearly mapped out.

We welcome visitors from different backgrounds and faiths to lead lessons and assemblies and the children have opportunities to visit a range of places of worship including the local church, mosque and synagogue.

Impact

Our children enjoy learning about other religions and why people choose to follow, or not to follow a religion. Through their R.E learning, the children will be able to make links between their own lives and those of others in their community and in the wider world, developing an understanding of other cultures and ways of life, in order to live within an increasingly diverse world.