RE @ Tickenham

RE Intent Statement

Religious Education (RE) has a unique place as a central subject in the curriculum at Tickenham. It is neither a core nor a foundation subject; the 1988 Education Act states that ‘Religious Education has equal standing in relation to core subjects of the National Curriculum in that it is compulsory for all registered pupils’. At Tickenham, we believe that it is important for all our pupils to learn from and about religion, so that they can understand the world around them. Our teaching and learning of RE helps children to acquire and develop knowledge and understanding of Christianity and the other principal religions represented in Great Britain. It also encourages children to appreciate the way that religious beliefs shape life and behaviour, develop the ability to make reasoned and informed judgements about religious and moral issues and enhance their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. 

RE Implementation Statement

RE has an important role as part of a broad, balanced and coherent curriculum to which all children are entitled. High quality learning experiences in RE are designed and provided by careful planning through locally agreed syllabuses (diocesan advice), and in schools, taking into account the need to offer breadth of content. We promote teaching in RE that stresses open enquiry and first-hand experiences wherever possible for both staff and children. Our RE teaching is informed by two different teaching schemes; Understanding Christianity and Awareness, Mystery and Values. By using these schemes simultaneously, we are ensuring children are given the opportunity to become religiously literate. 

At Tickenham, our Christian Values play an integral part of our everyday school life. There is a value for each term over our two year cycle which informs our Quote of the Day, collective worship and PSHE lessons. Discussions about these values allow children to develop and articulate their understanding of how they underpin our moral compass. 

There are no presumptions made as to the religious backgrounds and beliefs and values of the children and the staff. We value the religious background of all members of the school community and hope that this will encourage individuals to share their own experiences with others freely. All religions and their communities are treated with respect and sensitivity and we value the links, which are, and can be made between home, school, and a faith community. We are extremely lucky that members of the local church, St. Quiricus and St. Julietta, regularly visit our school to carry out collective worship and contribute to our RE lessons, when appropriate. We acknowledge that each religion studied can contribute to the education of all our pupils.

We employ a variety of teaching methods including art, music, discussion, the development of thinking skills, drama, the use of artefacts, pictures, stories, and the use of periods of stillness and reflection. 

RE Impact Statement

To fulfil our vision of inspiring a generation the children at Tickenham develop a sense of awe and wonder and mystery, respect for others, build their sense of identity and belonging, explore their own beliefs and consider challenging questions. Through their RE learning, children are able to make links between their own lives and those of others, both in their community and in the wider world, developing an understanding of other people’s cultures and ways of life. As children progress throughout the school, they are encouraged to explore their spirituality and develop a sense of their own belonging in the world therefore preparing them for secondary school and life in the wider world.  

Progression of Skills RE