In addition to being “religiously educated”, RE helps students to become “skilled cultural navigators”, able to handle the differences of faith and belief around them and to establish their own sense of identity and belonging. Through the curriculum, children are encouraged to develop a curiosity to learn about other people’s beliefs and cultures, and to find the common threads which bind them together.
The RE curriculum here at Abbey CE VA School is based on the Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire Agreed Syllabus. This syllabus aims to embed the ‘Understanding Christianity’ resource with the key purpose of supporting pupils in developing their own thinking and their understanding of Christianity, as a contribution to their understanding of the world and their own experience within it. This is supplemented by material from The Emmanuel Project to create a coherent programme of study for RE across the school. In addition to the focus on Christianity, each year group learns about and evaluates their own views on other world religions and non-faith.
Spiritual education in RE is concerned with becoming a person in the fullest sense. It can encourage our journey towards an understanding of ourselves, God the creator, and the wonder of the world around us.
Moral education in RE relates to the child’s understanding of what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’. As children mature, they will also develop an awareness of what is fair and just. They will be able to apply their thinking to circumstances beyond their own immediate surroundings. RE encourages students to discuss ideas such as people’s responsibility towards the world and generations to come. In RE, children are encouraged to make a personal response to right and wrong, and to consider a range of responses to moral issues.
Social education in RE refers to a child’s ability to understand and play their part within school, the wider community and later, in wider society. RE teaching involves exploring the similarities and differences in religions and cultures though which children make links between faith and personal action in everyday life. Social development represents the abilities and qualities that an individual needs to play a full and active part in society.
Cultural education in RE allows a child to recognise that all cultural groups are distinctive. At Abbey CE VA School, we celebrate the enrichment of the total community which flows from diversity of age, gender, racial and social origins, abilities, culture and religion. We are committed to ensuring that all are given every opportunity to develop their talents to the full. Culture is the embodiment of shared beliefs, knowledge, customs and values of that group. Children need to appreciate the distinctive features of their own culture and those of others.