| Jigsaw aims and purpose Establishing a respectful, safe and positive learning environment based on open and trusting relationships between all members of the class, adults and children alike, is vital to high quality, discursive RE. The enquiry approach allows for different views to be shared and there to be “no one right answer” to many of the questions asked.
To enable this, it is important that ‘ground rules’ are agreed and owned at the beginning of the year and are reinforced in every Piece – by using The Jigsaw RE Charter. There may be times within a plan where this is especially important so teachers will see a further reminder to recall children to the Charter specifically mentioned. |
Intent
- At Caldmore Primary Academy we want children to understand a range of religious and world views so that they can:
- Describe, explain and analyse beliefs and practises, recognising the diversity which exists within communities.
- Identify and investigate and respond to questions posed and offered by different religions and world views.
- Appreciate and appraise the nature, significance and impact of different ways of life and ways of expressing meaning.
- We want children to express ideas and insights about the nature, significance and impact of religions and world views, so that they can:
- Explain reasonably their ideas about how beliefs, practises and forms of expression influence individuals and communities.
- Express with increasing discernment their personal reflections and critical responses to questions and teachings about identity, diversity meaning and value.
- Appreciate and appraise varied dimensions of religion.
- To gain and deploy the skills needed to engage seriously with religions and world views, so that they can:
- Find out and investigate key concepts and questions of belonging, meaning, purpose and truth, responding creatively.
- Enquire into what enables different communities to live together respectfully for the wellbeing of all.
- Articulate beliefs, values and communities clearly in order to explain reasons why they may be important in their own and other people’s lives.
The Curriculum
At Caldmore Primary Academy, Religious Education is taught through a carefully structured progression map which ensures that pupils’ knowledge, understanding and skills develop coherently from Nursery through to Year 6. The curriculum is built around an enquiry-based approach, allowing children to explore religious and world views through thoughtful questioning, discussion and reflection.
RE lessons are planned to build progressively on prior learning, developing pupils’ ability to describe, explain and analyse beliefs, practices and values across a range of religions and world views, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism, Buddhism and Sanatan Dharma. Key concepts such as belief, worship, commitment, celebration, community, purpose and meaning are revisited and deepened as pupils move through the school.
A strong emphasis is placed on creating a safe, respectful and inclusive learning environment, supported by the use of the Jigsaw RE Charter. This enables pupils to share ideas openly, appreciate differing viewpoints and understand that many religious questions do not have one single answer.
Learning is enriched through first-hand experiences, including visits to places of worship, handling religious artefacts, meeting members of faith communities and exploring religious stories, music, art and symbols. RE is meaningfully linked to other areas of the curriculum such as English, History, Geography, Art, Music and PSHE, ensuring learning is relevant and connected.
Impact
As a result of the carefully sequenced RE curriculum, pupils at Caldmore Primary Academy leave with a secure and progressive understanding of a range of religions and world views. They are able to talk knowledgeably about beliefs, practices and celebrations while recognising both similarities and differences within and between communities.
Pupils develop strong enquiry and reflection skills, enabling them to ask thoughtful questions, express their own views with increasing confidence and respond respectfully to the beliefs and opinions of others. Over time, children become more articulate in explaining how religious beliefs can influence the lives, choices and values of individuals and communities.
RE makes a significant contribution to pupils’ personal development, promoting empathy, tolerance, respect and an appreciation of diversity. By the time pupils leave Year 6, they are well prepared to live in modern Britain, demonstrating curiosity about the wider world and an ability to engage critically and respectfully with different beliefs and ways of life.
The progression document ensures that learning is consistent, cumulative and inclusive, enabling all pupils to succeed and ensuring that Religious Education is a valued and meaningful part of the curriculum at Caldmore Primary Academy.
Parents have a right to remove their child from all or parts of the Religious Education curriculum. Any parent wishing to do so should make an appointment to discuss their request and reasoning with the Principal, Mr Garner.