Religious Education (RE)
As a school, we aim to celebrate the cultures within our local environment, whilst encouraging all children to be tolerant and accepting of all religions. We encourage children to embrace the differences in the community and be more accepting of the beliefs of others. Through the study of Religious Education (RE), we can foster an awareness of the differences within not only our school but also the community and the wider world. Through exploring the other principal religions represented in Great Britain, we aim to celebrate diversity and challenge stereotypes.
At the heart of Religious Education, is the quest to understand what it is to be human. By learning about and from religion, we can become more open-minded and respectful and achieve greater self-awareness. The skills and attitudes developed through RE can make a significant contribution to promoting British Values and developing community cohesion in Lancashire. It also equips children with the attributes to contribute to society when they leave Park Primary School, and to be respectful, tolerant and understanding of other religions, cultures and traditions.
Teaching and Learning
As a school, we follow the Lancashire and Blackpool Agreed Syllabus of 2021, ‘Searching for Meaning’ and use their suggested planning and assessment as a guide. In Reception, children study Christianity for 50% of the teaching time and two more religions throughout the year. At Park, we will learn about Islam and Judaism. In Key Stage 1, pupils study Christianity for 50% of the teaching time and the other 50% is the study of Islam, Judaism and Hindu Dharma. In Key stage 2, pupils study Christianity for 50% of the time and the remainder is the study of Islam, Sikhism, Hindu Dharma and Judaism.
Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development
At Park, we prepare pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life. Our RE teaching has strong ties to PSHE and SMSC and aims to develop children in the following ways:
Spiritual Development- encourages pupils to understand characteristics such as courage, strength, hope, acceptance, compassion and love, so that they can face the challenges in life.
Moral Development- enables pupils to take an increasingly thoughtful view of what is right and wrong, encouraging characteristics such as kindness, unselfishness and truthfulness.
Social Development- enables pupils to relate to others and to develop qualities such as respectfulness, tolerance and a willingness to get involved with the wider community.
Cultural Development- enables pupils to develop a sense of identity by understanding their cultures and the cultures of others by engaging in music, arts, traditions and customs.
British Values- the fundamental British Values are covered in the Discovery RE Scheme of Work. These are: Democracy, The Rule of Law, Individual Liberty, Mutual Respect and the Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.
Religious Education Champions
The Lancashire Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) newsletter highlights the achievements of RE Champions who have made significant contributions to promoting religious education in their schools and communities.
In the Autumn 2024 issue, Park Primary School in Colne was featured for its outstanding commitment to raising the profile of Religious Education (RE). The school has implemented several initiatives to enhance RE teaching and learning, including:
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Innovative Curriculum:
- Park Primary has developed a creative and inclusive RE curriculum that engages students with diverse religious and worldviews.
- The curriculum includes interactive lessons, visits to places of worship, and guest speakers from various faith communities
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Community Engagement:
- The school actively involves parents and the local community in RE activities, fostering a deeper understanding and respect for different beliefs.
- Events such as interfaith dialogues and cultural celebrations are regularly organized
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Professional Development:
- Teachers at Park Primary receive ongoing professional development to enhance their RE subject knowledge and pedagogical skills.
- The school participates in local RE networks and collaborates with other schools to share best practices
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Student Leadership:
- Pupils are encouraged to take on leadership roles in RE, such as leading assemblies, organizing events, and participating in RE councils.
- This empowers students to become ambassadors for religious understanding and tolerance
