Religious Education: Being a Philosopher

Being a Philosopher in Religious Education Curriculum Intent 

At Stickland’s Primary School, our aim of 'Being a Philosopher' is to develop confident and curious learners who are motivated and enthusiastic to explore world issues and develop an understanding of a range of faiths, views and beliefs beyond our local area. 

 Pupils at Stickland’s ask questions about and learn from religious beliefs. They appreciate and celebrate the similarities and differences between Christianity and other principal religions through gaining a deep knowledge and understanding of their teaching and practices. Our R.E. curriculum aims to give children the knowledge, understanding, critical thinking skills, open-minded and respectful attitude with which to investigate the world of religion and to prepare them to be able to make their own decisions in the future about what religion means to them. 

Our curriculum is knowledge and vocabulary driven and allows children to develop 3 types of knowledge. First, ‘substantive’ knowledge, which is knowledge about various religious and non-religious traditions; second, ‘ways of knowing’, which is where pupils learn ‘how to know’ about religion and non-religion and third, ‘personal knowledge’, where pupils build an awareness of their own presuppositions and values about the religious and non-religious traditions they study. These are carefully planned throughout each unit of learning.

Being a Philosopher in Religious Education Curriculum Implementation   

 All year groups, including children in the EYFS, learn about Christianity, Hinduism ( Sanatana Dharma), Judaism, Buddhism and Humanism each year. We use Understanding Christianity and ‘Discovery R.E.’ as the basis for our planning thus ensuring we have a coherent curriculum which focuses on deep learning for all and clear progression with elements from other resources as appropriate.

We follow an enquiry-based model and aim to teach ‘fewer things in greater depth’ to enable learners to have a deeper understanding. We recognize that our children need the opportunity to revisit previously taught objectives throughout the year to ensure they retained their understanding

Being a Philosopher in Religious Education Curriculum Impact

 The children at Stickland’s CE School enjoy learning world views on religions and why people choose, or choose not to follow a religion. Through their R.E. learning, the children are able to make links between their own lives and those of others in their community and in the wider world. 

Through R.E. our children are developing an understanding of other people’s cultures and ways of life and worship, which they are then able to communicate to the wider community. Children will feel they are valued as individuals and that their beliefs are valued and celebrated, and feel safe to learn new things and share their beliefs with others in an accepting environment.