“RE is seen as a high profile subject and is now taught through RE days which are popular with pupils.” SIAMS 2015

The Education Act of 1988 requires that Religious Education be taught to all pupils. It must be “in the main Christian whilst taking account of the teaching and practices of the other principle religions represented in Great Britain.”

As a controlled Church of England school we follow the Oxfordshire Agreed Syllabus. We use an enquiry-based approach that allows for a deeper reflection and questioning. We have a strong Christian tradition within the school which we continue to develop through our core Christian values of  Love, Courage, Respect, Honesty and Forgiveness.

We have special RE days once every half term to create a memorable learning experience for our pupils – these are enjoyed greatly by children and staff alike.

We want to ensure that R.E is an exciting, meaningful subject. We base each  RE Day around a series of questions and we always begin by thinking about what the children know already. The questions posed are explored in great depth to provoke deep thinking. To do this we spend much time reflecting, discussing and debating first hand experiences as well as creating using the arts – especially drama. Visits to places of worship further enhance our provision along with visits to school by members of a variety of faith communities.

To capture our rich learning we use giant ‘Floor’ books for this subject and at the start of each new topic we use the book to reflect upon what we have learned and explored so far.

Throughout the Foundation Stage, RE is taught within three Areas of Learning: Personal, Social, and Emotional Development, Communication and Language and Understanding the World. The aim is to provide for children’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development through focusing on what is special to young children, as a stepping stone to understanding what is special to a faith community. In Key Stage One pupils study Christianity and some aspects of Islam and Judaism; a more in-depth study of these three religions takes place in Key Stage Two as well as an introduction to Hinduism.

Religious Education is generally taught as a separate subject although, if appropriate, it will be included in a topic.

We have very strong links with St. James’ Church so, as well as visiting the church for acts of worship and for our Easter Trail, we use the church as a teaching resource whenever possible. Reverend Janice, our vicar, is a regular visitor in school, both to lead acts of worship and to talk about her role in the church as part of the R.E. curriculum.

Although parents are entitled to withdraw their children from Religious Education, we encourage all children to participate in this very important area of the curriculum.