Religious Education makes a strong contribution to the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of children in many ways. At Oaklands Primary Academy, we believe that our children, whatever their background, ability or religious persuasion, will find themselves able to benefit from the experience of Religious Education. Our pupils are members of a multi-cultural society and therefore we encourage a reflective and tolerant approach to the religious beliefs and practices of all. The teaching of RE also helps our children develop the ability to form reasoned opinions, based on evidence and argument. The main aims of R.E. are to learn about religion and to learn from it, so children understand the nature of religious beliefs and practices, and foster their own personal and spiritual development. Parents have the right to withdraw their children from Worship and/or Religious Education if they wish.

EYFS:

In our Reception classes, our RE education is primarily linked to the specific area of Understanding The World, with a particular focus on the ELG of People, Culture and Communities. We explore the similarities and differences between different religious and cultural communities in this country through stories, visits, artefacts and costumes. Through the core area of PSED, we also explore knowing rules and right from wrong which is a basis for all world religions.

Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2:

At KS1 and KS2, Religious Education is mainly taught thematically where the topic involves a moral or ethical issue or a directly religious study such as Diwali as part of the All Dressed Up topic in Year 1. In addition to the embedded thematic RE lessons, RE Drop Down weeks take place six times a year – once every half term. (Additional RE is taught through the Christian festivals of Christmas, Easter and Harvest.) We follow the Bromley Agreed Syllabus for RE and our focus for learning is based upon three questions: What do people believe and do? How do people respond to ultimate questions and big issues? How do beliefs and values make a difference to lives? Through RE, our pupils develop respect for and sensitivity towards others, in particular those whose faith, traditions, beliefs and values are different from their own. Our RE lessons further help pupils to express and explore their own responses to ultimate questions about the meaning and purpose of life and issues of right and wrong. Through Religious Education, our children achieve a sound basis of Christian knowledge and they also learn about and appreciate other religions, such as Islam, Judaism, Sikhism, Hinduism and Buddhism, exploring their similarities and differences.

Collective Worship:

At Oaklands, children participate in a daily act of non-denominational Collective Worship. This may be organised for separate groups of pupils at any time during the academy day but generally falls at the same time each day. Arrangements for collective worship comply with both the Local Authorities agreed syllabus for R.E and also with the statutory requirement laid down by Act of Parliament.

Links to places of worship:

We maintain close links with St Mark’s Church and New Life Church through regular visits. We also welcome religious personnel into the academy to work with the children and lead assemblies.