Religious Education

Religious Education

We build on our mission of 'Roots to grow, Wings to fly, Faith to flourish.' using the Questful RE scheme. This provides a structured, inquiry-based approach that can be powerfully combined with fostering awe and wonder. The curriculum uses "big questions" as a natural entry point for exploring topics. Developing children's natural curiosity in awe and wonder is very mportant to us and we use our beautiful natural environment to enhance learning whenever we can.

Questful RE's inquiry-based learning naturally promotes awe and wonder by:

• Encouraging curiosity: The syllabus frames learning around "challenging questions about meaning and purpose, truth and values". This investigative approach pushes children to think beyond facts and engage with deeper concepts.

• Developing spiritual vocabulary: By reflecting on their discoveries and feelings, pupils can put their sense of awe into words.

• Valuing personal reflection: The quest format allows pupils to discover more about themselves and their relationships with the world and with others. This internal journey is key to spiritual development. 

We acheive this in many ways throughout the curriculum

Windows: Looking out at the world
This approach uses the "window" metaphor to describe looking outwards at the world and its "WOWs". 

• Nature walks: Take children outside to observe the intricate details of a spiderweb, the pattern on a shell, or the complexity of a single leaf. Connect these observations to the concept of a creator or the natural order in different religious traditions.

• Visual stimuli: Use high-quality documentaries (like those by Sir David Attenborough), images of stunning architecture (e.g., cathedrals, mosques, gurdwaras), or dramatic natural landscapes to trigger a sense of "wow".

• Artefact exploration: Provide religious artefacts for pupils to handle and examine carefully. Encourage them to consider the craftsmanship, history, and meaning behind each object. 

Mirrors: Reflecting on inner life
This approach uses the "mirror" metaphor to help children reflect inwards on their own experiences, feelings, and beliefs. 

• "Reflection" journals: Encourage children to keep a journal where they can write or draw their thoughts and feelings about the "big questions" posed in Questful RE.

• Fingerprint reflection: Use the uniqueness of fingerprints as a starting point for a discussion on identity, individuality, and personal significance.

• Music and stillness: Dedicate time for quiet reflection while listening to a piece of evocative music. Ask children to consider what feelings or images the music evokes. Some schools even incorporate silence and stillness into prayer. 

Doors: Creating and making a difference
This approach uses the "door" metaphor to inspire children to apply their reflections and beliefs through action. 

• Creative responses: Encourage children to express their understanding through a variety of creative mediums, such as art, poetry, or drama. For example, after learning about creation stories, they may paint their own artistic interpretation.

• Collective kindness: We encourage children to participate in acts of collective generosity within the classroom and school.

• Community connections: We arrange visits to local places of worship and invite members of different faith communities into the school. This provides children with encounters with living faiths and shows pupils how beliefs translate into real-world actions.