Our Curriculum for Religious Education

 

Chatsworth Primary School follows the agreed syllabus for Religious Education in Hounslow, a document titled  WIDENING HORIZONS.

 

We at Chatsworth Primary believe that the teaching of Religious Education in school helps children and young people:

· to be members of diverse local, national and international communities

· to look at things beyond themselves

· to discover fundamental things about being human

• to explore faith, spirituality and an awareness of themselves and others

· to develop a deeper sense of their own beliefs and values through reflecting upon why they think and act in particular ways

· to ask challenging and ultimate questions within a context of mutual trust and respect.

 

THE AIM OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

The aim of Religious Education in the London Borough of Hounslow is to help children and young people to learn about and learn from religious and spiritual insights, beliefs and practices.

It should:

· provoke challenging questions about the ultimate meaning and purpose of life, beliefs about God, the self and the nature of reality, issues of right and wrong and what it means to be human

· develop knowledge, understanding and awareness of Christianity and other major world faiths, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism as well as ethical non-theistic traditions, such as Humanism

· offer opportunities for personal reflection and spiritual development and contribute to a search for meaning and purpose in life

· enhance awareness and understanding of religions and beliefs, teachings, practices and forms of expression, as well as of the influence of religious and other beliefs on individuals, families, communities and cultures

· encourage learning from different religions, beliefs, values and traditions while reflecting on, considering, analysing, interpreting and evaluating issues of truth, faith and ethics and communicating responses

· enable the development of a sense of identity and belonging and the ability to flourish within pluralistic societies, locally, nationally and internationally

· offer preparation for adult life, employment and lifelong learning

· foster respect for, and sensitivity to, individuals and communities of different faiths and beliefs by promoting discernment and combating prejudice.

Here at Chatsworth we believe that it is very important that pupils are encouraged to explore their own beliefs (religious or non-religious) and to reflect on what they learn.

Building pupils’ sense of identity and belonging helps them flourish -  both within the school community and their wider, local community and as citizens in a diverse society.  Pupils develop respect for others, including people with different faiths and beliefs and learn to challenge prejudice. This also supports the development of shared / British values.

Children will also have the opportunity to visit a different place of worship each year. They will meet with the religious leaders at this place of worship and further develop and embed their understanding of others’ beliefs and religious practices.

 

As a parent or carer you have the right to withdraw your child from Religious Education. Those parents or carers wishing to exercise this right are invited in to see the head teacher who will explore any concerns and discuss any impact that withdrawal may have on their child. The school will ensure that parents or carers who want to withdraw their children from RE are aware of the RE syllabus and that it is relevant to all pupils, and respects their own personal beliefs.