Religion and beliefs inform our values and are reflected in what we say and how we behave. RE is an important subject in itself, developing an individual’s knowledge and understanding of the religions and beliefs, which form part of contemporary society.
Religious education provokes challenging questions about the ultimate meaning and purpose of life, beliefs about God, the self and the nature of reality, issues of right and wrong, and what it means to be human. It can develop pupils’ knowledge and understanding of our principal religions, religious traditions and worldviews that offer answers to questions such as these.
RE also contributes to pupils’ personal development and well-being and to community cohesion by promoting mutual respect and tolerance in a diverse society. RE also makes an important contribution to other parts of the school curriculum such as citizenship, personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE education), the humanities, education for sustainable development and others. It offers opportunities for personal reflection and spiritual development, deepening the understanding of the significance of religion in the lives of others – individually, communally and cross-culturally.
At Highgate Primary, In the Early Years and Key Stage 1, RE is taught through the most significant festivals within the major faiths. When children are in Key Stage 2, RE is taught through a more in-depth study of the major faiths. Buddhism, Sikhism and Hinduism are all studied in Year 3; Judaism in Year 4, Christianity in Year 5 and Islam in Year 6. Within each faith, children gain an understanding of the fundamental beliefs, stories, festivals and traditions of the religion. They also make connections to other faiths and the wider world. Within the RE curriculum, children are given the opportunity to visit a church, synagogue and mosque.
