At Castleford Park Junior Academy, we teach RE so that our children understand and have a respect for their own and others’ beliefs and ways of life. We aim to provoke challenging questions about the meaning and purpose of life, beliefs about God, ultimate reality, issues of right and wrong and what it means to be human. RE should enable children to reflect on their own ideas of religion and way of life.

We do this by:

• learning about the key features of some of the Dharmic, Abrahamic and Humanist faiths
• finding out what we have in common with people of faith – by exploring how they are ‘just like me’
• learning stories from the major religions
• experiencing festivals to appreciate how others celebrate important events
• visiting places of worship to build understanding, tolerance and connection between our similarities
• talking with people from a wide variety of faiths and non-faiths

We strive to ensure that our children have the opportunities to learn about, discuss and understand the differences between their own beliefs and customs, and those of other races and cultures. The aim of RE is to engage pupils in progressive and systematic enquiry into significant human questions which religion and worldviews address.  Through meaningful questioning we aim to equip children with the skills to raise and appraise important questions on religious and philosophical issues, with respect and sensitivity and develop a tolerance and respect for differing opinion.

Pupils are introduced to religious education from the very beginning of their time in school using the Wakefield Agreed Syllabus.  Religious education is taught through regular sessions, class assemblies and whole school assemblies. Pupils also attend St. Paul’s church throughout the year to celebrate and lead festivals such as Easter, Harvest and Christmas. Visitors are welcomed into school to further develop children’s knowledge and understanding of other cultures. Staff also plan real and virtual visits to religious buildings to allow children to see their knowledge come to life in real contexts.

Religious artefacts and books are provided in school to be used in conjunction with lessons and staff and children are encouraged to respect the views of other cultures when using these objects. For example, ensuring that the Koran must be placed in a high place, covered when not being used and handled with respect.

Children learn through stories from different cultures and religions, about the buildings people use for worship, about the leaders and founders of the main religions of the world and staff provide lessons that are a mix of written work, discussion and individual research.

Our long-term plan for RE is used to plan stimulating and exciting lessons that broaden children’s knowledge of religious belief but also encourage them to use enquiry-based and philosophical questions to find out more about what they are interested in and feel strongly about. These lessons provide opportunities for children to explore their own ideas and take part in discussions, making links to their own lives. In RE lessons pupils should also be provided with opportunities to develop their literacy, speaking and listening skills and ICT skills.