Religious Education at Greenholm School
Our Religious Education curriculum provides the knowledge and learning experiences of major religions and cultures, to encourage our children to embrace differences and similarities and for them to become positive and respectful global citizens. (RE Mission Statement)
The RE curriculum at Greenholm School has been written to correspond with the themes and topics of each year group, where possible, to enable children to make links between religious beliefs and their historical or geographical context. Children will learn about the major faiths represented within the school community including:
- Christianity
- Judaism
- Islam
- Hinduism
- Sikhism
- Buddhism
Throughout the year, children will experience learning about different religions; for example, teachings, sacred books, stories, practices, festivals and celebrations and will compare them, to look for similarities and differences between them. They will also look at how their own experiences compare to key themes within the RE curriculum, for example, friendships, families, celebrations, helping others and courage.
In Key Stage 1, the children will look at stories from major faiths and the meanings behind them. They will also learn about significant people and why they are important to particular religions. The children will also discuss themes, such as:
- Being thankful
- Celebrations
- Finding answers to questions
- Giving and receiving presents
- How major religions respond to suffering and need
- Religious books
- Sign and symbols
Within the Key Stage 1 curriculum, there is also an opportunity to learn about religious practices, such as the Five Pillars of Islam, the 10 Commandments and Hindu and Sikh worship.
In Key Stage 2, the children will look more closely at religious practices, significant people, festivals, and celebrations. In addition, they will investigate themes, such as:
- The environment
- Prejudice
- Courage
- Honesty
- Stereotypes
- Friendships
- Being visionary
- Rules
- Belonging
- Forgiveness
- Being Unfair
- Becoming an adult
Within these themes, the children will look at how major religions respond to these issues and their own personal experiences.
The RE curriculum is taught through a variety of activities, including using artifacts, videos, visiting places of worship and reading religious stories and texts. The curriculum has been written to develop skills in reading and writing, as well as encourage social skills through working with groups and partners. Throughout school, children are expected to be respectful and considerate of other people’s beliefs, views, and opinions. Where possible, the curriculum links in with history, geography, SEAL and RSE.
December 2019