RE
At Axminster, we follow Devon and Torbay SACRE's locally agreed syllabus. The aims are to:
- make sense of a range of religious and non-religious beliefs
- understand the impact and significance of religious and non-religious beliefs
- make connections between religious and non-religious beliefs, concepts, practices and ideas studied
We use a creative and flexible approach to provide RE, incorporating art, music and drama into our study. Our study of religious and non-religious world-views aims to equip pupils to make sense of a range of religious and non-religious beliefs, so that they can:
• identify, describe, explain and analyse beliefs and concepts in the context of living religions, using appropriate vocabulary
• explain how and why these beliefs are understood in different ways, by individuals and within communities
• recognise how and why sources of authority (e.g. texts, teachings, traditions, leaders) are used, expressed and interpreted in diff erent ways, developing skills of interpretation
Children understand the impact and significance of religious and non-religious beliefs, so that they can:
• examine and explain how and why people express their beliefs in diverse ways • recognise and account for ways in which people put their beliefs into action in diverse ways, in their everyday lives, within their communities and in the wider world
• appreciate and appraise the significance of different ways of life and ways of expressing meaning
Children make connections between religious and non-religious beliefs, concepts, practices and ideas studied, so that they can:
• evaluate, reflect on and enquire into key concepts and questions studied, responding thoughtfully and creatively, giving good reasons for their responses
• challenge the ideas studied, and allow the ideas studied to challenge their own thinking, articulating beliefs, values and commitments clearly in response
• discern possible connections between the ideas studied and their own ways of understanding the world, expressing their critical responses and personal reflections with increasing clarity and understanding
Pupils learn about Christianity as the main religious tradition in this country and other principal religions represented in Britain such as Islam, Judaism and Hinduism.
RE, however is not only about understanding specific religious traditions. It offers pupils the opportunity to think about their own lives, values, attitudes or beliefs and the chance to express their thoughts and ideas in a variety of ways.
The principal aim of RE in Devon is to engage pupils in enquiring into big questions arising from the study of religion, belief, philosophy and ethics. In doing so Religious Education will support pupils’ own personal moral, philosophical, ethical and spiritual development and promote respect for others.