Giving children a window through which to appreciate faiths and values
Religious Education (RE) enables pupils to learn about, and learn from, the concepts of faith and values. A whole range of ideas and beliefs are explored, which are sometimes challenging to understand- not just in a religious and spiritual sense, but also in cultural and moral terms.
At Mill Lane, the aim of RE is to help children to acquire and develop knowledge and understanding of Christianity and the other principal religions represented in Great Britain and the wider world; to appreciate the way that religious beliefs shape life and our behaviour, develop the ability to make reasoned and informed judgements about religious and moral issues and enhance their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Linked to the National Curriculum, children will learn about and from religion and belief.
RE is taught in such a way as to reflect the overall aims, values, and philosophy of the school. RE plays an important role, along with all other curriculum areas, particularly PSHE, in promoting the spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of our children.
Through their R.E. learning, the children are able to make links between their own lives and those of others in their community and in the wider world. Children learn about the beliefs, values and the concept of spirituality. Through
R.E. our children are developing an understanding of other people’s cultures, traditions and ways of life, which they are then able to communicate to the wider community. R.E. offers our children the means by which to understand how other people choose to live and to understand why they choose to live in that way. They will develop a respect for the right of others to hold beliefs different from their own.
Religious Education in the Classroom
At Mill Lane we believe in the importance of bringing subjects to life to help children better understand and remember the concepts covered. Wherever possible, children will be able to handle religious and cultural artefacts, visit places of worship and meet people from different cultures and religions. During lessons, the common threads of empathy, kindness, tolerance and respect form the core of class and group discussions. Children will experience cultural and religious celebrations where possible, for example, learning Bhangra dancing, creating diva lamps, singing songs, celebrating Chinese New Year and making Christingles, to name but a few.
