Curriculum Statement: RE
‘Excellence, Truth and Grace’
Religious Education Intent
At Middleton Parish Church School, we aim to foster an inclusive and dynamic environment where religious education enables every child to explore and understand the rich tapestry of religious beliefs and worldviews. Our curriculum is designed to ensure that by the time children leave us, they are not only knowledgeable about Christianity and other major religions and worldviews represented in Great Britain, but are also equipped with the skills to engage respectfully and thoughtfully with people of all faiths and none.
Our RE curriculum adheres to the Manchester Diocese Religious Education Syllabus (2023-28) developed by RE Today, reflecting the latest research and best practices in teaching religion and worldviews. It offers a balanced approach, dedicating equal focus to Christianity and other faiths and philosophies, thus ensuring a broad, balanced, and knowledge-rich curriculum. This design supports systematic study of individual traditions as well as thematic comparisons across different beliefs, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse practices and theological concepts. Through our RE curriculum, students develop critical thinking, empathy, and reflective skills. They learn to articulate their thoughts and questions about beliefs, practices, and moral values effectively. These capabilities enable them to navigate their own beliefs and those of others with confidence and consideration, supporting their personal, moral, and spiritual growth.
While RE is taught as a discrete subject, it complements the broader educational experience by linking with history, literature, and social studies, among others, to enhance cultural and historical understanding. Regular interactions with guest speakers and spiritual leaders from various faith communities enrich this learning, providing real-world contexts and fostering a respectful dialogue. Our students benefit from visits and contributions from a variety of faith leaders who share insights into their beliefs and practices. These engagements are crucial in bringing the curriculum to life, allowing students to ask questions and gain first-hand understanding of different religious practices.
Aligned with our school's core values of Excellence, Truth, and Grace, our RE curriculum promotes an environment where these principles are lived out daily. It encourages students to reflect on these values through the lens of various religious teachings and their own experiences, aiding them in developing a well-rounded perspective on life.
Religious Education Implementation
At Middleton Parish Church School, our approach to teaching Religious Education is structured around the Manchester Diocese Religious Education Syllabus (2023-28), developed by RE Today. This approach is systematic and thematic, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of each religion individually, as well as through comparative thematic studies. Our teaching methods are diverse and inclusive, incorporating drama, art, dance, song, and written work to engage students fully. This variety not only aids in knowledge retention but also makes learning more accessible and enjoyable for all students. Our curriculum is carefully crafted to build on prior knowledge, ensuring that each year group progresses by deepening their understanding of familiar concepts while introducing new ones. Each lesson is structured to revisit previous learning, integrating key vocabulary and concepts continuously throughout the year. These are reinforced through classroom displays and practical resources, which are omnipresent in the learning environment, aiding in embedding this knowledge deeply into long-term memory. This methodical revisiting of information helps solidify learning and ensure that knowledge moves from short-term to long-term memory effectively.
Our RE curriculum is designed to be fully inclusive, addressing the needs of all children, regardless of their academic ability or background. In Reception, children begin by encountering Christianity and other faiths, fostering an early understanding of their own community and diverse worldviews. As students progress through Key Stages 1 and 2, they explore a wider range of religions, focusing on the human aspect of these faiths to reflect the diversity within and between religions. We ensure that non-religious worldviews are also included, promoting mutual respect and tolerance.
The curriculum adapts to various learning styles and needs by employing a broad range of teaching methods and by providing multiple entry points for engagement and understanding. We also enhance learning through trips and visits from experts, which provide tangible connections to the real-world practice of these faiths, making the abstract concepts more concrete and understandable.
Additionally, the curriculum provides for the exploration of diverse religious traditions and non-religious worldviews in a manner that respects each tradition's integrity while fostering an environment of open inquiry and mutual respect. This approach not only caters to the varied backgrounds of our students but also prepares them to thrive in a pluralistic society.
Through these methodologies and approaches, Religious Education at Middleton Parish Church School not only imparts knowledge but also builds a foundation for lifelong learning and understanding, equipping students with the skills to navigate a diverse world with empathy and insight.
Religious Education Impact
At Middleton Parish Church School, summative assessment in Religious Education is conducted through structured assessment sheets tailored to the key knowledge of each unit. These assessments are administered at the end of each topic, providing a comprehensive review of the students' understanding of the core content. For example, in Year 5, students might be asked to explain key biblical texts, the symbolism in church architecture, and concepts describing God, reflecting the depth of their knowledge and understanding. This approach ensures that each student's learning aligns with the intended outcomes of the curriculum, allowing for a clear measure of progress against set benchmarks. Formative assessments are integral to our teaching methodology. At the conclusion of each lesson, students contribute to a topic-specific Mind Map, capturing the key aspects of what they have learned. This visual representation helps both students and teachers to see the learning progress and aids in reinforcing memory retention. Additionally, our teachers utilise the school's marking system—using a green tick and star—to provide immediate feedback on students' work. Other formative techniques include targeted questioning during lessons, which helps to gauge understanding in real-time and allows teachers to adjust instruction dynamically to meet learning needs.
To ensure all groups of children are making progress, our summative assessments play a crucial role in tracking the learning achievements of diverse student groups, including those with special educational needs, English as an additional language, or those identified as gifted and talented. This data is analysed to identify trends and address any disparities in achievement. Teachers use this information to tailor support, differentiate instruction, and provide interventions as necessary, ensuring that each child's educational journey is supported effectively and inclusively. Through our structured approach to both summative and formative assessments, we ensure a rigorous evaluation of knowledge and skills in Religious Education. This balanced assessment strategy supports our mission to provide a high-quality education that fosters deep understanding and respect for a range of religious beliefs and worldviews, preparing our students to thrive in a diverse society.
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