Religious Education (RE)
Religious Education
‘Religions are different roads converging to the same point. What does it matter that we take different roads, so long as we reach the same goal.’ Mahatma Gandhi
Children study religious education and world views in our school using the Hertfordshire syllabus. We have adapted the syllabus to ensure progression, to provide a pathway for children to learn about religions and worldviews through clear, sequential steps.
At Swallow Dell, Religious Education poses challenging questions about the ultimate meaning and purpose in life, beliefs about God, issues of right and wrong and what it means to be human. It develops our children’s knowledge and understanding of Christianity and other religions and worldviews, improving their perception of the wider world and the power of faiths and beliefs within contemporary society. Religious Education at Swallow Dell supports our children to ask, understand and consider deep questions through investigating eight key areas of religions and world views:
- beliefs and practices,
- sources of wisdom,
- symbols and action,
- prayer and worship,
- identity and belonging,
- ultimate questions,
- human responsibility and values, and
- justice and fairness.
As the children progress through the school, our aim is that they become religiously and theologically literate in order to connect their understanding and knowledge of religions and other widely held world views. Most importantly, we work to develop a demonstration of respect and compassion towards a range of diverse beliefs and viewpoints.
Our school welcomes families of all faiths and families with no faith, and this is reflected in the learning conducted in our RE lessons. Children study religious education and world views in our school using the Hertfordshire syllabus. We have adapted the syllabus to ensure progression, to provide a pathway for children to learn about religions and worldviews through clear, sequential steps. Herts for Learning explains the syllabus:
“The … agreed syllabus sets out the statutory requirements for Hertfordshire Community Schools and Foundation and Voluntary Schools without a religious character. It offers clarity and revision to the aims, time allocation, breadth of study and expected learning outcomes for Religious Education.”
Parents have the right to withdraw their child/children from part or all Religious Education lessons. Parents considering withdrawing their child/children are requested to contact the Headteacher to arrange a discussion.
Curriculum Overview: RE Curriculum Overview
