Introduction
Here at Gunthorpe Primary School, we place very high value on respect for the
individual. Showing respect for others’ background and beliefs is also an extension of
the respect we give to the individual.
We believe that R.E. provides an opportunity to celebrate and foster awareness of the
differences and similarities with our school and the wider world. It is a subject that
celebrates diversity and challenges stereotypes.
R.E. is taught in accordance with the Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education for
Nottinghamshire.
The purpose of the agreed syllabus is to

enable our school to provide a quality Religious Education curriculum

provide appropriate criteria to those responsible for monitoring its provision,
including school governors

enable parents and other stakeholders to be informed about the provision of
Religious Education in our school
School Aims
The aims of Religious Education are to help children:

Appreciate the positive contribution that Christian can have on the individual
and in the life of the community.

Develop knowledge and understanding of Christianity and other major world
religions.

Develop an awareness of spiritual and moral issues in life experiences

Develop an understanding of what it means to be committed to a religious
tradition.

To maintain close links with local Churches and other religious communities.

To respect and tolerate other people’s views and religious beliefs.

To develop a reflective approach to life in an atmosphere of openness,
exploration and enquiry.
Right of withdrawal
All parents are informed in the school prospectus of their right to withdraw their
children from R.E. lessons and Collective Worship
Use of ICT
Where it is deemed appropriate, ICT will be used to deliver the RE curriculum, e.g.
IWB, dvds, websites.
Resources
We have a good range of resources to support the teaching of R.E. across the school.
This includes artefacts, for some of the world religions, collections of teacher and
pupils’ books on these religions, posters, dvds, cd roms, powerpoint presentations and
the RE Today ‘Opening up Religion’ work books. We also have an extensive range of
Bibles for all age ranges and abilities.
Monitoring and review
Monitoring of the standards of pupils’ work and of the quality of teaching in R.E. is the
responsibility of the Head Teacher along with the R.E. subject leader. The work of the
R.E. subject leader also involves supporting colleagues in the teaching of R.E.
The governors with responsibility for R.E. meet with the subject leader to discuss
progress and as part of the monitoring function of the Governing body, watch or
participate in an R.E. lesson or Act of Collective Worship.
Teaching R.E. to pupils with special needs
All pupils have an entitlement to high quality R.E., whatever their ability. It is part of
our school curriculum policy to provide a broad and balanced education for all pupils. We
provide learning opportunities that are matched to the needs of specific groups of
pupils. Learning takes into account the targets set for individual pupils in their
individual education plans (IEPs). More able children who are working well above the
overall level of the class or group will benefit from planning which adds breadth,
increases depth, accelerates the pace of learning by tracking forward to later
objectives within the key stage.
Teaching and learning takes place within different contexts:

Within the classroom

During Key stage assemblies.

During whole school assemblies.

During weekly assemblies conducted by Rev. Carol Tainton.

Visitors to school from our own and other faiths.

Every child takes part in Time travelling at Southwell Minster.

Taking part in services at St John the Baptist Church.Visits to places of worship
in the community.

Involvement with charity organisations.
The Governors recognise the importance of RE within the schools ethos and present a
bible to children as they leave.
Role of the co-ordinator
The RE Co-ordinator is responsible for the implementation of the RE policy. In order to
achieve this they must:Liaise with other staff and visitors to school related to RE
Keep up to date RE resources
Monitor the effectiveness of teaching and learning in this area.
Methods
Teaching methods are stimulating and engaging, providing all pupils with access to R.E.
irrespective of social, ethnic, religious backgrounds, disabilities or ability.
Consideration is paid to different learning styles and the differing abilities of the
pupils so that all make progress in their learning. Our teaching and learning strategies
include the use of:

The use of artefacts, big books, posters, dvds and artwork

The use of drama and role play

The use of music to create atmosphere or for expression of ideas and emotions

The use of matching/sequencing cards

The use of art and craft to enable pupils to express their ideas

The use of ICT such as digital cameras, IWB, websites, cd roms, video cameras
etc

Visits to places of worship

The use of representatives from other religions as visitors to the class and
collective worship.
EYFS
Aspects of R.E. related learning are included in PSED and KNUW. Ongoing observations
of children developing their knowledge and skills about cultures and beliefs in the
learning environment are used to inform planning and provision and to update F.S. on a
termly basis.
KS1 and KS2
Teachers use a variety of means of assessing pupils work in line with the while school
assessment policy. This includes:

Regular marking and reviewing of pupils work.

Collecting evidence of pupils’ work and achievements for a school portfolio.

Our assessment is in line with Nottinghamshire and helps:

Raise achievement

Provide pupils with opportunities to assess their own progress and evaluate the
quality of their work.

Enable teachers to assess pupils’ progress and to evaluate the effectiveness of
the teaching programme.

The teacher’s assessment :

records progress and attainment

supports teachers making judgements against level descriptors at the end of the
keystage

enables teachers to complete an annual report for each child
Scheme of Work
Foundation
1. What stories do Christians and Jews love to tell?
2. Questions that puzzle us.
3. Celebrating: What and how do we feel.
4. Special days.
KS1
1. What does it mean to belong in Christianity?
2. What can we learn from visiting a church?
3. What can we learn from visiting a synagogue?
4. What is the Torah and why is it important to Jewish people?
5. Celebrations – Christmas, Easter, Sukkot and Pesach?
6. What can we learn fom stories of the Jewish Bible?
7. What does respect mean and how can it be built?
8. Stories of Jesus. Why do people still love these stories today?
9. How do Jewish people express beliefs in practice?
10. The Good Earth: Giving thanks.
11. Talking about God.
KS2
1. What do we know about Jesus?
2. What is the Bible and why is it important for Christians?
3. Festivals: What happens at Divali and Easter for Christians and Hindus.
4. Worship for Hindu people.
5. Religions in the community.
6. Families and their faiths: Religion in family life.
7. Light and dark.
8. Worship and the community
9. Beautiful world? Wonderful God?
10. What can we learn from people of faith today?
11. The Holy Prophet of Islam
12. Sacred Texts
13. Prayer
14. Goodness in the Community.
15. Big Questions.
16. Beliefs in action
17. Right and wrong, good and bad.
18. How do people express their faith
19. Religions in the local area
20. Learning about God from stories of faith