At The Alton, we aim for children to develop a strong understanding of religious and spiritual beliefs, practices and insights. Children learn about religious and world views in a local, national and global context. Children learn about and from Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, Islam, Judaism and Humanism. They learn about religious leaders, artefacts, key holy books, festivals and celebrations of the different religions. Through our curriculum, children develop an appreciation and respect for different religious beliefs.
What is special about our curriculum?
At The Alton, we build a sense of community inside and outside the school. We teach children to listen to each other and respect differences. Our children embrace new experiences and develop an understanding of the world and their place within it. By the time children have completed their time at The Alton, they are able to talk about and learn about different religious beliefs from a range of visitors and staff and parents from the school community. We do not promote any religion above any other. Any parent who wishes to discuss the Religious Education curriculum is welcome to make an appointment with the Headteacher.
What is the structure of teaching and learning?
R.E. is taught for one hour per week, for three half terms per year. Our children will experience a variety of teaching styles and approaches, which enhance the learning outcomes of the curriculum. Cross-curricular learning also offers children opportunities to address morality and religion through a different lens, and boost their enthusiasm to deepen their knowledge and understanding.
What will children achieve by the end of EYFS, KS1 and KS2?
EYFS
During their time in our EYFS, children learn to describe different life events and how they are celebrated. Children are taught to understand the things that are precious to them, to others and to particular religions. They begin to understand that different people have different beliefs, customs and traditions and why it is important to treat them with respect.
Key Stage 1
By the end of KS1, children are able to describe some religious stories and religious objects, such as those found in a church, as well as what they mean. They also start to explain what might be the same for different religious people and begin to describe differences in beliefs and practices. Children can explain why celebrations are important and begin to say how these influence the lives of followers. They can begin to link what is important to them and other people with the way that people behave.
Key Stage 2
By the end of the KS2, children can describe a range of reasons for why people belong to religions and begin to explain how similarities and differences between religions can affect individuals and communities. Children learn how to express clear opinions on matters of belief by giving their own views and describing the views of others in more detail, considering some of the challenges of belonging to a religion today, locally and globally