Religious Education

Religious Education Policy 

At West Heath Primary school, we empower our pupils to become respected citizens who make valuable contributions to social capital. One way we increase our pupil’s cultural capital is through the teaching of Religious Education. We improve the children’s knowledge and understanding of a range of religious traditions and non-religious worldviews, whilst developing an appreciation and understanding of the dispositions set out in the Birmingham Agreed Syllabus.

 The Birmingham Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education aims to:

 • Promote the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils at the school and in society 

• Prepares pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life

 • Education of religious life and traditions brings a dimension to the process of educating that is life-enhancing for pupils and specifically contributes to their spiritual and moral development.

Pupils cover 24 dispositions set out in the Birmingham Agreed Syllabus based on a spiral curriculum approach, which are encountered by pupils in each phase of their education forming a progressive and cohesive understanding of the subject. These dispositions are interwoven within different religions and through reference to a range of established non-religious worldviews including Humanism. There has been agreement between the traditions in the city (religious and non-religious) that the 24 dispositions, are qualities or marks of spiritual character they would wish to see developed in pupils. The aim is for all pupils to secure an in-depth understanding of a range of religions and non-religions. By doing this it will encourage our pupils to think about, and act upon, a growing understanding of their own faith or viewpoint, whilst showing empathy to others opinions that may differ.

RE contributes and is significant to the development and well-being of the whole child. It supports a flourishing personal, spiritual and moral character by promoting mutual respect and tolerance in a modern Britain. It offers opportunities for personal reflection and spiritual development. Allowing pupils to see beyond their own cultural experiences. Encouraging open-ness in sharing cultural experiences and challenging stereotypes. This will enable pupils to have an understanding of the different beliefs and practices of various religions including those without a faith and the impact on the world. 

Our School procedure 

Parents do have the right to withdraw their child from all or part of RE lessons.

RE is taught on a Tuesday morning for 30 minutes every week. Work is recorded in exercise books as well as evidenced on twitter using #WHPSRE.

Planning is located on the system in the J drive in West Heath Curriculum in the RE folder and each term is separated into different units. The expectation is that two units are taught per half term. Within these units the 24 dispositions are taught through different religions and non-religions. The planning links to the Birmingham agreed syllabus through SACRE and resources suggested by SACRE are used. 

EYFS

In early years’ children explore RE through an understanding of the world session which is taught each week. Throughout the year the following statements are covered through stories and circle times. 

• Discussions about members of their immediate family and community. 
• Name and describe people who are familiar to them. 
• Understand that some places are special to members of their community. 
• Recognise that people have different beliefs and celebrate special times in different way

ELG - Know some similarities and differences between different religious and cultural communities in this country, drawing on their experiences and what has been read in class.

The main part of RE is taught through religious festivals as they arise throughout the year. Ones that are currently covered are; 

Black history month, Diwali, Bonfire Night / Guy Fawkes, Remembrance, Advent, Christmas, Chinese New Year, Ramadan, Easter and Eid. 

Overview of Year Group dispositions KS1 and KS2

The dispositions are based on a spiral curriculum approach, which are encountered by pupils in each phase of their education. Teaching should be focussed on each disposition: once in KS1 and once every two years in KS2. 

Birmingham's Agreed Syllabus for RE

Birmingham_Agreed_Syllabus_2022_ADOPTION_VERSION_FEB_2022_ACCESSIBLE_AF.pdf

RE Policy 2023-2024.docx

RE Curriculum Map

WHPS RE Curriculum Map.docx.pdf