Intent 

Religious Education (RE) enables children to investigate and reflect on some of the most fundamental questions asked by people. At Holbrook, we develop the children’s knowledge and understanding of Christianity and other World Religions.  

Establishing a safe, open and positive learning environment based on trusting relationships between all members of the class, is vital for RE lessons at Holbrook. We help children to learn from religions as well as learning about them, helping to nurture a respect for and tolerance of different people’s way of life. 

Implementation  

We use a scheme called ‘Kapow’ which provides enquiry and discussion based learning based on the West Sussex Agreed Syllabus.  

 EYFS – Developing pupils’ understanding of different beliefs, values and communities in line with the EYFS statutory framework and Early Learning Goals for Reception. 

· KS1 – Full curriculum coverage for Key stage 1 Religion and worldviews, developing pupils’ understanding of four key concepts: Beliefs; Practices; Wisdom and morality; and Belonging, to help them explore and respond to ‘big questions’. 

· KS2 – Our KS2 Religion and worldviews (RE) scheme of work for Years 3 to 6 helps pupils explore beliefs, practices, morality and belonging through big questions and meaningful discussions. 

The children learn through lively discussion, investigation and drama with opportunities to work independently and collaboratively. They are actively encouraged to ask and answer questions to deepen their understanding. 

As well as specific learning in their year group, children also have the opportunity to take part in whole school RE activities. An example of this was Interfaith Week, where children were given the opportunity to complete a piece of artwork to reflect the religion they were currently learning about. 

Kapow is written as provision for all children, promoting inclusivity within the classroom. Teachers can tailor the Kapow lessons to meet the needs of the children in their classes. 

Impact 

By following Kapow at Holbrook, RE will:- 

• adopt an enquiry based approach beginning with the children’s own life experience before moving into learning about and from religion. 

• provoke challenging questions about beliefs, issues of right and wrong, commitment and belonging. 

• encourage pupils to explore their own beliefs (religious or non-religious) in light of what they learn. 

• enable pupils to build their sense of identity and belonging, which helps them flourish within their communities and as part of a diverse society. 

• teach pupils to develop respect for others, including people with different faiths and beliefs.