R.E.
There is an ambitious curriculum set for RE, supporting teachers to implement it through high-quality lessons and checking that everything is helping children to know more, remember more and do more.
If you would like more information in addition to that published on this page, please contact your class teacher.
Purpose of Study
RE is for all pupils in all schools, every pupil has a legal entitlement to RE. It is a necessary part of a ‘broad and balanced curriculum’ and must be provided for all registered pupils in state-funded schools in England, including those in the sixth form, unless withdrawn by their parents (or withdrawing themselves if they are aged 18 or over). This requirement does not apply to pupils below compulsory school age (although there are many examples of good practice of RE in nursery classes).
Schools are not obliged to provide R.E. to pupils who are under compulsory school age (section 80(2)(a) of the Education Act 2002), although there are many instances of good practice where R.E. is taught to these pupils.
Aims
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Provide children with an understanding of the fundamental values and beliefs of six world religions - Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, and Sikhism.
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Provide children with a basic understanding of celebrations and festivals which are observed and celebrated as part of these religions.
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Encourage children to ask questions, share their beliefs as well as respect those of others.
Oakfield's Approach
Intent
We are setting out to help our pupils be ...
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Diverse, celebrating their own beliefs, values and cultures, as well as those of others.
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Respectful, treating everyone with equality and fairness, regardless of their beliefs.
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Passionate about their own beliefs, celebrations and values.
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Curious, asking questions to help them to understand the beliefs of others more clearly.
Implementation
We will do this by ensuring ...
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Pupils will learn about a wide range of world religions, values and cultures.
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Children will be taught about equality and its importance.
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Children will be taught about a diverse range of celebrations observed across the world.
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Children will be taught how to enquire respectfully.
Impact
We will have made a difference when ...
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Children will be able to talk about the fundamental beliefs of people who share our world.
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Children will demonstrate tolerance, acceptance and fairness towards each other and those who share our world.
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Children will be able to express why some celebrations are important to other people as well as those that are important to themselves.
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Children will be able to discuss the core values and important events in the calendars of different world religions.
We believe our curriculum is effective because it provides ...
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Comprehensive coverage: The curriculum provides a comprehensive introduction to six major religions (Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Sikhism) and their respective beliefs, practices, and celebrations. This breadth of coverage ensures that pupils develop an understanding and appreciation of the diverse religious landscape that exists around them.
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Age-appropriate progression: The curriculum is thoughtfully structured to ensure age-appropriate progression in learning, with each year group focusing on different aspects and celebrations related to the religions studied. This progression ensures that pupils build on their knowledge and understanding as they progress through the school, allowing them to develop a deeper appreciation for each faith over time.
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Focus on key concepts and values: The curriculum places a strong emphasis on the exploration of key concepts and values that underpin the different religious traditions, such as compassion, forgiveness, charity, and the importance of respecting and appreciating the diverse beliefs of others. This focus on values helps pupils to develop their moral and ethical understanding, fostering a sense of empathy and tolerance for others' beliefs.
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Encouragement of critical thinking and reflection: The curriculum encourages pupils to think critically about religious teachings and practices, fostering an open-minded and enquiring approach to the subject. Pupils are also given opportunities to reflect on their own beliefs and values and to explore the similarities and differences between various faiths.
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Integration of cross-curricular learning: The curriculum effectively integrates learning from other subject areas, such as history, geography, art, and music, providing pupils with a rich and holistic understanding of the religious traditions studied. This cross-curricular approach helps pupils to make meaningful connections between their learning in RE and other subjects, enhancing their overall educational experience.
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Focus on community and inclusivity: The curriculum places a strong emphasis on understanding and engaging with the local community, as well as promoting an inclusive learning environment that values diversity and tolerance. This focus on community and inclusivity helps to prepare pupils for life in a diverse and multicultural society, fostering a sense of social responsibility and respect for others.
Threshold Concepts
These are our big takeaways called ‘threshold concepts’ - an overview of what we want pupils to know. They are the same for every year group and help us to ensure we build learning on the same ideas, that way we help children to be able to remember more meaningful connections rather than remembering isolated facts.
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Different people believe in different greater powers and live their lives according to this.
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My opinions are important and I should feel confident when sharing them with others. I should be able to explain my thinking. Other people might have opinions that are different to mine and this is normal. I should show respect and tolerance towards those with different viewpoints to my own. Other people will show me the same respect.
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Asking questions can help me to understand more about the world around me, including the beliefs, traditions, values and rituals of different cultures and religions.
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Different religions have different values although some share similar or the same values. These might be values which are also important to me and I might learn about them in different ways throughout my life.
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Different religions have values and ways of life. These affect the way that communities live their lives.
Progression on a Page ...
At Oakfield, we are proud to offer an enriching and inclusive Religious Education (RE) curriculum, which allows children to explore and learn about various religions and cultures throughout their time here. Our "Love to Celebrate" program covers six major religions: Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Sikhism. Each year group focuses on different aspects and celebrations related to these religions, helping to foster understanding and respect for the diverse beliefs of others.
Here is an overview of what we expect children to be taught, know and do by the end of each year group.
Year R
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Continue to develop positive attitudes about the differences between people.
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Develop their sense of responsibility and membership of a community
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See themselves as a valuable individual
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Think about the perspectives of others.
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Talk about members of their immediate family and community.
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Name and describe people who are familiar to them.
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Understand that some places are special to members of their family.
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Recognise that people have different beliefs and celebrate special times in different ways.
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Talk about the lives of people around them and their role in society.
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Understand the past through settings, characters and events encountered in books read in class and storytelling.
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Show sensitivity to their own and other’s needs.
Year 1
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In Year 1, pupils explore a variety of celebrations and stories from each religion. They learn about Esala Perahera, Harvest, Diwali, Milad un Nabi, Purim, and Naam Karan. Through these celebrations, children discover the importance of new beginnings, special clothes, and welcoming new babies into the world. They also compare different religious celebrations and the importance of respecting others' beliefs.
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Children will learn the importance of various religious celebrations and how they reflect the values and beliefs of each faith, as well as the significance of respecting and appreciating the diverse beliefs of others.
Year 2
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Year 2 delves into Losar, Christmas, Navratri, Jumu'ah, Hanukkah, and Anand Karaj. The children will learn about making a fresh start, taking care of babies, and the concept of God. They will also compare different wedding traditions and learn about the significance of New Year celebrations in various cultures.
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Children will learn about different aspects of God and explore how various faiths celebrate new beginnings and milestones, such as weddings and New Year traditions. They will also understand the importance of religious rituals and practices in different cultures.
Year 3
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In Year 3, pupils focus on Vesak, Lent, Ganesh Chaturthi, The Hajj, Shavuot, and Guru Nanak Gurpurab. They learn about the stories behind these celebrations and the importance of spiritual journeys, pilgrimage, and the role of rules and equality in religious communities. They also explore different aspects of kindness and compassion.
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Children will learn about spiritual journeys, pilgrimage, and the role of rules and equality in religious communities. They will also explore the importance of compassion, forgiveness, and understanding in the teachings and practices of different faiths.
Year 4
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Year 4 covers Kathina, Holy Week and Easter, Janmashtami, Eid ul-Adha, Shabbat, and Vaisakhi. Pupils will study the life of religious figures, the importance of sacrifice, and the role of music in religion. They will also compare different religious celebrations and the responsibility we have for the natural world.
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Children will learn about the lives and teachings of religious figures, the significance of sacrifice, and the importance of music and art in religious practices. They will also develop an understanding of the responsibility we have for the natural world and the environment from a religious perspective.
Year 5
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In Year 5, pupils learn about Dharma Day, Pentecost, Holi, Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, Passover, and Guru Arjan Gurpurab. They explore the importance of faith in action, the significance of charity, and the role of words and wisdom in religious practice. Pupils will also compare various celebrations and the concept of martyrdom.
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Children will learn about faith in action, the importance of charity and service in religious communities, and the power of words and wisdom in guiding the lives of believers. They will also explore various religious celebrations and the significance of martyrdom.
Year 6
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Finally, in Year 6, children focus on Parinirvana, Sunday, Kumbh Mela, Lailat al Miraj, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and Bandi Chhor Divas. They explore beliefs about life after death, the importance of worship, and the role of sacred stories. Pupils also learn about forgiveness and defending the weak, comparing different religious leaders and celebrations.
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Children will learn about beliefs regarding life after death, the importance of worship and prayer, and the role of sacred stories in different religions. They will also explore themes of forgiveness, defense of the weak, and leadership in various religious contexts.
Units of Learning ...
Buddhism
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Year 1: Esala Perahera - Children will learn about the significance of this festival and its connection to the sacred relic of the Buddha's tooth.
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Year 2: Losar - Children will explore the meaning of the Tibetan New Year and the customs associated with making a fresh start.
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Year 3: Vesak - Children will learn about the celebration of the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha and the associated rituals.
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Year 4: Kathina - Children will understand the life of a Buddhist monk and the significance of the Rains Retreat and Kathina ceremony.
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Year 5: Dharma Day - Children will explore the Buddhist teachings, the Four Noble Truths, and the importance of compassion and wisdom.
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Year 6: Parinirvana - Children will learn about the death of Buddha, beliefs about life after death, and the concept of impermanence.
Christianity
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Year 1: Harvest - Children will learn about the significance of harvest celebrations and the importance of gratitude and sharing.
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Year 2: Christmas - Children will explore the Nativity story, the Advent wreath, and the meaning of gifts in the Christian tradition.
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Year 3: Lent - Children will learn about the 40 days of Lent, the concept of forgiveness, and the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.
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Year 4: Holy Week and Easter - Children will delve into the events leading up to Easter, including Palm Sunday, the Last Supper, the crucifixion, and the resurrection of Jesus.
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Year 5: Pentecost - Children will learn about the descent of the Holy Spirit, the fruits of the spirit, and the importance of faith in action.
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Year 6: Sunday - Children will explore the significance of Sunday as a day of worship, the role of the church, and the concept of God in the Bible.
Hinduism
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Year 1: Diwali - Children will learn about the Festival of Lights, the story of Rama and Sita, and the welcoming of the goddess Lakshmi.
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Year 2: Navratri - Children will explore the nine-night festival dedicated to the goddess Durga and the various customs and rituals associated with it.
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Year 3: Ganesh Chaturthi - Children will learn about the significance of the elephant-headed god Ganesh and the celebrations surrounding his birth.
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Year 4: Janmashtami - Children will delve into the story of Krishna's birth and the various customs and rituals associated with this celebration.
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Year 5: Holi - Children will explore the Festival of Colors, the significance of color in Hinduism, and the story of Holika.
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Year 6: Kumbh Mela - Children will learn about the world's largest religious gathering, the story behind it, and the concept of pilgrimage in Hinduism.
Islam
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Year 1: Milad un Nabi - Children will learn about the birth of Prophet Muhammad and the significance of his life and teachings for Muslims.
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Year 2: Jumu'ah - Children will explore the importance of Friday prayers, the role of the muezzin, and the concept of prayer in Islam.
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Year 3: The Hajj - Children will learn about the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, the rituals and customs associated with it, and the importance of spiritual journeys.
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Year 4: Eid ul-Adha - Children will explore the story of Ibrahim and Isma'il, the concept of sacrifice, and the customs and traditions associated with this festival.
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Year 5: Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr - Children will learn about the Islamic holy month of fasting, the significance of the Night of Power, and the celebration of Eid al-Fitr at the end of Ramadan.
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Year 6: Lailat al Miraj - Children will explore the story of the Night Journey, the importance of faith and devotion in Islam, and the role of prophets in the religion.
Judaism
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Year 1: Purim - Children will learn about the story of Esther, the customs and traditions associated with this festival, and the concept of mitzvah.
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Year 2: Hanukkah - Children will explore the story of Hanukkah, the significance of the Hanukkiah, and the importance of miracles in the Jewish tradition.
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Year 3: Shavuot - Children will learn about the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, the story of Ruth and Naomi, and the importance of the Ten Commandments.
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Year 4: Shabbat - Children will delve into the weekly day of rest, the significance of the Shabbat table, and the importance of community and worship.
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Year 5: Passover - Children will learn about the story of the Exodus, the Seder plate, and the significance of freedom in the Jewish tradition.
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Year 6: Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur - Children will explore the Jewish High Holy Days, the importance of repentance and forgiveness, and the customs and traditions associated with these celebrations.
Sikhism
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Year 1: Naam Karan - Children will learn about the naming ceremony in Sikhism, the importance of names, and the role of the Guru Granth Sahib.
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Year 2: Anand Karaj - Children will explore the significance of Sikh wedding ceremonies, the concept of love and unity, and the importance of vows and promises.
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Year 3: Guru Nanak Gurpurab - Children will learn about the birth and teachings of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, and the importance of equality and fairness in the religion.
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Year 4: Vaisakhi - Children will delve into the formation of the Khalsa, the significance of taking Amrit, and the importance of identity and belief in Sikhism.
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Year 5: Guru Arjan Gurpurab - Children will learn about the life and teachings of Guru Arjan, the significance of the Golden Temple, and the concept of martyrdom in Sikhism.
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Year 6: Bandi Chhor Divas - Children will explore the story of Guru Hargobind and his role in defending the weak and oppressed, as well as the importance of freedom and forgiveness in Sikhism.
Learning Overviews by Religion
Right of Withdrawal
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“All students are entitled to receive RE as part of a broad and balanced curriculum at school which promotes their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development” - Religious education in English schools: Non-statutory guidance 2010. However, the law gives parents/carers the right to withdraw their child(ren) from collective acts of worship and/or Religious Education lessons, in accordance with the 1988 Education Reform Act. At Oakfield, we respect that right.
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In the UK, the law does not prescribe how religious education should be taught or organised in schools, only that schools should bear in mind that the way RE is taught should reflect the agreed syllabus of the Local Education Authority and the ethos of the school, as well as ensuring that students make good progress, learning about and from the world around them and that Teaching Standards are adhered to. At Oakfield, we believe our RE curriculum fulfils this criteria.
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Parents have the right to choose whether to withdraw their child from RE without influence from the school, although a school should ensure parents or carers are informed of this right and are aware of the educational objectives and content of the RE syllabus. If students are withdrawn from RE, schools have a duty to supervise them, though not to provide additional teaching or to incur extra cost; suitable work relating to the child’s religious education should be provided by the parents/carers. Pupils will usually remain on school premises, unless the child is lawfully receiving religious education elsewhere.
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Parents can only withdraw their child from RE, not other curriculum areas. For example, pupils can’t be withdrawn from a study of religious art in an art lesson or the study of evolution in science.
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It is important to remember the contribution RE makes to the development of children and the promotion of Fundamental British Values.
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If you wish to withdraw your child from RE, please arrange a meeting with Mrs Light-Rowsell who will be able to support you.
What does the law say?
In order for a pupil to be withdraw, a school by law, must be satisfied:
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"that the parent of the pupil desires him to receive religious education of a kind which is not provided in the school during the periods of time during which he is so excused"
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"that the pupil cannot with reasonable convenience be sent to another maintained school where religious education of the kind desired by the parent is provided, and"
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"that arrangements have been made for him to receive religious education of that kind during school hours elsewhere."
