Religious Education (RE)

At Georgeham CofE Primary School, we believe it is important for all our pupils to learn from and about Christianity and other principal faiths, so they can understand the world around them. The aim of Religious Education (RE) in our school is to help children acquire and develop knowledge and understanding of Christianity and other principal religions. We aim to appreciate how 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.

Religious Education is taught throughout the school in a way that reflects our overall aims, values, and philosophy. It plays an important role, along with all other curriculum areas, particularly PSHE, in promoting social awareness and understanding in our children. We encourage our pupils to ask questions about the world and reflect on their own beliefs, values, and experiences. We include and promote British values, ensuring that children are aware of their rights and responsibilities as UK citizens. Our curriculum is designed to encourage creativity, imagination, enquiry, debate, discussion, and independence.

We use the RE Agreed Syllabus for Devon & Torbay 2019-2024 as the basis for our curriculum. At Georgeham CofE Primary School, it has been agreed that, taking into account the requirements and guidelines presented in the Agreed Syllabus, the following religions have been selected for study: Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and Hinduism.

In the Early Years Foundation Stage, learning outcomes are referenced to Christianity and, as appropriate, to a range of other beliefs and cultures.

In KS1, Christianity is studied along with Islam and Judaism, and in KS2, Christianity is studied along with Islam, Judaism, and Hinduism. We value the religious background of all members of the school community and hope this encourages individuals to share their own experiences freely. All religions and their communities are treated with respect and sensitivity, and we value the links between home, school, and faith communities. We are fortunate to have strong links to our local church (St George's) and visit it regularly for Collective Worship.

Our children enjoy learning about other religions and why people choose, or choose not to follow a religion. Through their RE learning, children make links between their own lives and those of others in their community and the wider world, developing an understanding of other people’s cultures and ways of life. As such, RE is invaluable in an ever-changing and shrinking world.