Religious Education
Our Statement of Intent
At Stanford Primary School, we aim to provide children with a rich, engaging and inclusive experience of a variety of cultures, religions and worldviews, enabling them to develop knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes that support their personal growth and development as active, respectful and responsible citizens.
Religious Education enables children to investigate and reflect on some of the most fundamental questions asked by people, developing a sense of awe and wonder while encouraging them to explore their own values, beliefs and spiritual understanding. Through quality-first teaching, exciting hands-on experiences and a culture of sharing and celebrating the uniqueness of every child and family, children develop a sound knowledge and understanding of Christianity, Islam, Judaism and other world religions, exploring both what people believe and how those beliefs influence their lives.
We encourage children to learn about religions as well as from them, reflecting on religious ideas and concepts and considering what they might mean within their own lives and experiences. Children explore significant stories, religious practices, celebrations and festivals, including Easter, Diwali and Passover, while developing an appreciation of the rich diversity of religious and cultural traditions within our school, local community and wider world.
Our holistic and personalised approach provides opportunities for children to visit places of worship, meet representatives from local religious and cultural communities and experience aspects of religious life first-hand. Whole-school, year-group and class assemblies further reflect and celebrate the religious and cultural diversity of our community, while encouraging children to ask questions, listen to different perspectives and develop their own understanding of social, moral, spiritual and cultural issues.
Our SMSC curriculum underpins all teaching and learning at Stanford, supporting children’s spiritual growth and helping them to develop empathy, respect, tolerance and an appreciation of the beliefs and experiences of others.
Understanding the World - Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage EYFS 2021
Understanding the world involves guiding children to make sense of their physical world and their community. The frequency and range of children’s personal experiences increases their knowledge and sense of the world around them – from visiting parks, libraries and museums to meeting important members of society such as police officers, nurses and firefighters. In addition, listening to a broad selection of stories, non-fiction, rhymes and poems will foster their understanding of our culturally, socially, technologically and ecologically diverse world. As well as building important knowledge, this extends their familiarity with words that support understanding across domains. Enriching and widening children’s vocabulary will support later reading comprehension.
Purpose of Study – B&H Agreed Syllabus for RE 2018
The purpose of this syllabus is to: • establish the entitlement for all pupils and students in Brighton & Hove to a religious education independent of their faith or background which contributes to the development of the knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes necessary for their self-fulfilment and their development as active and responsible citizens. • establish a high standard of RE in all schools • promote continuity and progression. It facilities the transition of pupils and students between schools and cross phases of education by setting out clear requirements. The syllabus also provides the foundation for further study and learning • promote public understanding of RE. The syllabus will promote public understanding of the work of schools throughout Brighton & Hove in RE and encourage others to participate in enriching the process of providing RE.