Religious Education in Church of England Schools
A high quality religious education (RE) curriculum is essential to meet the statutory requirement for all maintained schools to teach a broad and balanced curriculum. At the heart of RE in church schools is the teaching of Christianity, rooted in the person and work of Jesus Christ - https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2017-10/re_statement_of_entitlement_2016_0.pdf
Why RE Matters
The ability to understand the faith or belief of individuals and communities, and how these may shape their culture and behaviour, is an invaluable asset for children in modern day Britain. Explaining religious and non-religious worldviews in an academic way allows young people to engage with the complexities of belief, avoid stereotyping and contribute to an informed debate - https://www.religiouseducationcouncil.org.uk.
At Sarum St Paul's (VA) CofE School we use Understanding Christianity to deliver Religious Education lessons. Understanding Christianity offers a coherent approach to teaching and learning about Christianity, in the wider RE curriculum. We also use the ‘Discovery RE’ scheme which supports our planning of Judaism (KS1) and Hinduism and Islam (KS2).
Understanding Christianity
Understanding Christianity has identified core concepts at the heart of mainstream Christian belief. It sets out some knowledge ‘building blocks’, to clarify what pupils should know and understand about these concepts at each school phase. It provides a teaching and learning approach to unpack these concepts and their impact in the lives of Christians in the UK and the world today, making connections with the world of the pupils and their wider understanding. Understanding Christianity’s approach to teaching about Christianity builds up pupils’ encounters with these core concepts through biblical texts, placing the texts and concepts within the wider Bible story. Each unit addresses a concept, through some key questions, exploring core Bible texts, their impact for Christians, and possible implications for pupils.
Whole School Planning 2021/22
RE Encounter Days
Every year we organise a whole school RE Encounter Day with the help of St Paul's Church and The Bridge. The children move around a series of activities to explore Christian concepts. Themes have included:
2021/22- World faiths day
2020/21-unfortunately due to Covid-19 we were unable to have an RE Encounter day this academic year
2019/20 - unfortunately due to Covid-19 we were unable to have an RE Encounter day this academic year
2018/19 - Faith in Action
2017/18 - Windows, Mirrors, Doors
2016/17 - Our School Values
2015/16 - British Values
2014/15 - Christian Mission
2013/14 - Fruit of the Spirit
2012/13 - Sacred Stories from Different Faiths
Our Reflection Space
In 2016 we developed a school reflection space. This special area is available for staff, children, parents and governors to use throughout the school day as a place for reflection and calm. We have purchased resources to support our Christian values; Love, Forgiveness, Perseverance and Truthfulness - these resources can be freely accessed by all. Each term we have a variety of activities for children to do based on our collective worship theme.
Discoverers Club
Debbie Boyt, the children’s worker form St Paul’s church, leads a weekly after school club that focuses on different Bible stories and involves games and craft activities.
Experience Days at St Paul's Church
Throughout the year pupils visit St Paul's Church to take part in experience days. The team at the church will organise and lead a series of activities within the church which take a different theme each time. Here are photographs for an Easter experience day.
The Bridge
The Bridge Project began in 1994 and is a registered Christian schools work charity that works locally in Salisbury and the surrounding area. Click here to see their website: http://www.the-bridge.org.uk/
We have worked with The Bridge for several years and we are very grateful for all they do to enhance the RE at our school. The Bridge deliver a selection of RE lessons to every class as well as attend our RE Encounter Day and lead whole school themed worship.
Click on this link to view their promotional video... can you spot any Sarum St Paul's faces?!