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Corby
Primary Academy

Religious Education

Subject Leader: Liz O'Donnell

 

                              

Intent:

The intent of our Religious Education (RE) curriculum is to cultivate an understanding of diverse religious beliefs, practices, and traditions, equipping children with the skills to engage thoughtfully with the complexities of the world. 

The Northamptonshire Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education serves as the foundation for Corby Primary Academy’s RE scheme, which incorporates connections to British Values, while reflecting the major religions practised in Northamptonshire. Through collaboration and a language rich curriculum, we foster inclusive group discussions and joint projects where all voices are valued.  We create engaging lessons that make learning meaningful and relevant through memorable experiences such as visits to places of worship, thoughtful assemblies and visitors to the school.  Our bold curriculum encourages pupils to ask questions and form reasoned judgements about various belief systems and link religious teachings with ethical discussions to help pupils navigate moral choices.

Implementation:

Our implementation of the RE curriculum is underpinned by a structured approach, ensuring that it is engaging, relevant, and challenging for all pupils. 

We follow the locally agreed syllabus and ensure that our RE curriculum reflects the diversity of religious and non-religious world views. Lessons are carefully planned to cover major world religions, as well as philosophical questions and contemporary issues.  A variety of pedagogical approaches are used, including storytelling, role play, interactive activities, and discussions, to engage pupils and cater to different learning styles. Each unit incorporates opportunities for practical engagement, such as visits to places of worship and visitors.  We use formative assessment strategies that inform planning and address pupils' individual learning needs.   Where possible, we encourage partnerships with local religious communities and organisations, promoting real-world connections and enabling pupils to engage meaningfully with the beliefs and practices of others.

Legislation requires that:

RE is taught in accordance with the local Agreed Syllabus; at Corby Primary we follow the Northamptonshire County Councils agreed syllabus.

The requirements are that a syllabus must ‘reflect the fact that the religious traditions in Great Britain are, in the main, Christian while taking account of the teaching and practices of the other principal religions represented in Great Britain’.

Academies and free schools must teach RE within the requirements for a locally agreed syllabus, set out in section 375 (3) of the Education Act 1996 and paragraph (5) of Schedule 19 to the School Standards and Framework Act 1998.

Impact:

The impact of our RE curriculum is consistently reflected in pupils' attitudes towards learning and their overall personal development through the quality and scope of pupils' work. We also analyse pupil voice responses to educational trips and the impact of the learning environment.  As an academy, we aim to promote a school environment that reflects the values taught in RE, promoting inclusivity and respect amongst all members of the community and the wider world.  British Values and our PSHE teachings further support this vision. By visiting nearby places of worship and inviting visitors to our academy, the children will be able to explore and comprehend the diverse experience of different faith groups, as well as their core beliefs, and learn to respect the practises of various faiths both inside and outside of their own community.

Parental Right to Withdraw from Religious Education (RE)

We respect the rights of parents and carers regarding their child’s education. Under current legislation, parents and carers have the right to withdraw their child from all or part of Religious Education (RE) lessons. This includes activities related to Religious Education that do not form part of the statutory National Curriculum.

If you wish to exercise this right, we ask that you inform the school in writing, detailing whether you are withdrawing your child from all or specific parts of the RE curriculum. We are happy to discuss any concerns you may have and provide further information to help you make an informed decision.