'Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.' (James 3:13)
Religious Education
Our intent is to ensure that all children become religiously literate, and to equip children with the knowledge and skills to answer challenging questions, explore different religious beliefs, values and traditions and develop a more rigorous understanding of the numerous religious traditions, beliefs and practices that are followed in our multi-cultural society. We believe in inspiring our pupils through lessons that reflect our values:
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Joy – through lessons that are motivating, engaging and include creative activities, that often draw on lived experiences.
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Kindness and respect – promoting empathy and understanding of other religious beliefs.
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Perseverance – through revisiting key concepts and following a multidisciplinary approach, focusing on theology, philosophy.
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Wisdom – by guiding children to explore, discuss and apply insights from various religions and worldviews to their own lives.
Pupils leave St James able to hold a balanced and well-informed conversation about religion and worldviews – they will be religiously literate. They will be able to make their own choices and decisions concerning religion and belief based on a deep knowledge and understanding of religions and worldviews, belief systems, values and practices.
At St James we aim for children to:
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Be critical thinkers and to engage critically with texts.
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Ask deep and meaningful questions.
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Make connections within and across religions and worldviews.
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Reflect, respond and express their own religious, spiritual and/or philosophical convictions.
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Make their own choices and decisions concerning religion and belief based on a deep knowledge and understanding of religions and worldviews, belief systems, values and practices.
We teach RE through:
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The LDBS syllabus and assessment grids to guide our planning. This ensures we know what the children need to have learnt by the end of the unit and plan accordingly.
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Enquiry-based lessons that follow the LDBS syllabus.
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The opportunity to visit St James’ Church or to invite a member of the church team into school to talk to the children in classes.
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Enrichment opportunities visiting places of worship linked to the world faith being studied. Alternatively, a visitor from a member of a different faith, linked to world faiths being studied. For example, Year 5 visit the National Gallery to look at religious works of art at Christmas time.
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For every unit, we ensure that the big question and the weekly question is displayed in the classroom along with key vocabulary. This display is then updated on weekly basis as the children record their response to each weekly question.
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We encourage a dialogue of question and response in lesson. We want children to ask questions and others to respond whilst the teacher ensures that any misconceptions are addressed.
Please note. It is a parent's right to withdraw their child from RE lessons or Collective Worship. See the DfE guidance here.
A Broad and Balanced Religious Education at St James
Each year group learns about a different religion. Our displays celebrate the variety of learning.
Books and artefacts enhance our learning.
Exploring Christianity at St James' Church.
We have a wide range of enriching visits and experiences to deepen our understanding of world religions.
