Religious Education at Ryton-on-Dunsmore

At Ryton-on-Dunsmore, we follow the new Coventry and Warwickshire agreed syllabus and Understanding Christianity.  All children will acquire core knowledge and understanding of the beliefs and practices of the religions and worldviews which not only shape their history and culture, but which guide their own development. The modern world needs young people who are sufficiently confident in their own beliefs and values that they can respect the religious and cultural differences of others and contribute to a cohesive and compassionate society. 

As a Church of England academy, the study of Christianity is a core part of our curriculum. The study of Christianity is supported by units of work from Understanding Christianity. Children also access teaching on all the major religions of the world, and examine spirituality and other world views, following the Coventry and Warwickshire Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education.  

Understanding Christianity gives pupils a deep knowledge of Christian practice and belief, including ways in which it is unique and diverse. It offers a programme of teaching that engages with biblical texts and theological ideas; it is rigorous and challenging, presenting ideas and debates in engaging and thought-provoking, age-appropriate ways. The aims of Understanding Christianity are to:

• enable children to know about and understand Christianity as a living world faith, by exploring core theological concepts;
• enable children to develop knowledge and skills in making sense of biblical texts and in understanding their impact on the lives of Christians;
• develop pupils’ abilities to connect, critically reflect upon, evaluate and apply their learning to their own growing understanding of religion and belief of themselves, the world and human experience.

Learning about religion and learning from religion are important for all pupils, as religious education (RE) helps pupils develop an understanding of themselves and others. RE promotes the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of individuals and of groups and communities

The RE Long-Term Plan contains a mixture between the Understanding Christianity scheme of work and the Coventry and Warwickshire Religion & Worldviews agreed syllabus. This gives our pupils the opportunity to understand people’s beliefs, compare them with their own and learn to respect each other’s worldviews and faith.

The teaching of RE involves some direct teaching and whole class, group, paired or individual activities.  A range of teaching styles are used including enquiry, exploration, discussion, asking and answering questions, artefacts, visits and faith visitors, this ensures pupils are actively engaged in their learning. They also learn through other curriculum areas such as art, music, creative writing and drama.

The aim of our R.E. curriculum  is that all children will:

• know and understand the key teachings from a range of religions

• reflect on the teachings of different religions and worldviews
• explain their ideas with reference to their knowledge and understanding
• evaluate other people’s opinions and ideas
• make links and compare different ideas about faith and beliefs
• identify and reflect on their own worldview and the principles guiding their life.

   

   

Right for Parents to Withdraw their Children from RE, Collective Worship & Sex & Relationship Education

In England and Wales parents have the statutory right under Section 71 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 to withdraw their children from RE lessons and acts of Collective Worship in schools. You can also request a withdrawal from any subjects/ lessons/assemblies involving discussions on the topic of sex and relationships.

As parents you are not obliged to give a reason for requesting the withdrawal.

However, before exercising any right of withdrawal, we would recommend you discuss your concerns with the class teacher or Headteacher. 

Requests for withdrawals are made in writing