R.E.

At Gilbrook school, we follow the Wirral Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education and Worldviews.  Whatever individual needs or barriers there may be, at Gilbrook we ensure that all pupils enjoy their learning and have opportunities to succeed. In the modern world, pupils need to understand the important beliefs and values that shape it; and the impact that religion has on communities as well cultural and spiritual questions that arise in their lives, communities and society.

Pupils engage with a range of opportunities to learn and respect their own and other cultures and faiths including Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Sikhism and Humanism. Pupils also learn about the wider world and global issues such as Fairtrade, Our Planet, making good choices in the community, helping others and  learning about special people and places. RE provides our pupils with the building blocks in order for them to  develop healthy, respectful relationships focusing on family and friendships, in all contexts and in all areas of the community. RE encourages pupils to develop their sense of identity and belonging, encouraging them to flourish as individuals within their local and global communities. The subject has an important role in preparing pupils for
adult life, lifelong learning and employment. It enables pupils to develop respect for and sensitivity to others, in particular those whose faiths and beliefs are different to their own. It allows pupils to combat prejudice as it challenges them to reflect on, consider, analyse, interpret and evaluate issues of truth, faith, belief and ethics and to communicate their responses effectively. It offers opportunities for personal reflection and spiritual  development.

Curriculum planning and Implementation
Our RE curriculum aims to develop understanding of how to show respect for different cultures, faiths, genders and disabilities and follows a three year rolling programme to develop knowledge and skills. The Programme of Study for KS1 and KS2 involves teaching about all faiths and comparing similarities and differences in order to recognise that we treat all people with respect. At KS1 and KS2, each academic year, pupils are taught about the Christian faith and at least one other religion throughout the year. As pupils move into KS2, their knowledge of other religions is expanded, with many classes learning about several other beliefs including Hinduism, Islam,
Judaism, Buddhism, Humanism and Sikhism.

School Aims
Through our teaching of Religious Education and Worldviews, we aim to provide opportunities for our pupils to become successful learners who enjoy learning in a world with diverse religions and belief as well as non-belief.
Purpose Religious Education and Worldviews should enable pupils to:

• Understand the ideas and practices of a diversity of religions and non-religious worldviews.
• Understand how religions and beliefs are woven into, and influenced by, all dimensions of human experience.
• Engage with questions raised about religions and beliefs, including questions about meaning and purpose in life, beliefs about God, ultimate reality, issues of right and wrong and what it means to be human.
• Develop their own beliefs, ideas, practices, values and identities.
• Develop as responsible citizens of changing local, national and world communities with diverse religion and beliefs.

Goals

• RE should aim to develop in pupils the ability to:
• Express clearly their personal beliefs, ideas, values and experiences while respecting the rights of others to differ.
• Develop knowledge and understanding of a range of religions and beliefs.
• Recognise and make connections between religions, beliefs and social, economic, political and cultural issues.
• Reflect, communicate and act in an informed, intelligent and sensitive manner towards those who profess religions and beliefs and also towards those with no expressed beliefs.

The benefits of RE
RE makes a unique contribution to pupils’ learning and creates greater understanding and tolerance between people of all religions and non-religious worldviews and can help to improve relationships in society and communities. It contributes to the development of pupils’ ideas, values, practices and identities.

Withdrawal
According to the Education Act (1996) and the School Standards and Framework Act (1998), parents have the right to withdraw their children from all or part of Religious Education lessons.