Curriculum – Religious Education

Religious Education is an academically rigorous subject which makes a distinctive contribution to pupils’ overall knowledge. Over their time at Ox Close, children are involved in learning, which provokes challenging questions about meaning and purpose in life, issues of right and wrong and what it means to be human.  They learn to interpret, analyse, evaluate and critically respond to the claims that religious and non-religious worldviews make. Through well-sequenced and challenging Religious Education lessons, children are given opportunities to develop as articulate, thoughtful, respectful, well rounded global citizens. Staff are provided with the training and knowledge which is necessary to develop the RE curriculum.

Religious Education at Ox Close offers opportunities for children to reflect personally and to examine the significance of their learning in relation to themselves and others. Through enquiry based teaching and learning, children are able to explore their own beliefs (whether they are religious or not) and to develop their own sense of identity and belonging. The right of others to hold different beliefs and values is also promoted through discussion and collaborative learning.

Carefully planned visits, online content and community links help to extend the learning beyond the classroom and give children a real-life sense of people’s beliefs, the many ways in which people express their belief and the impact of those beliefs. This in turn gives children the confidence to challenge stereotypes and develop an understanding of the difference between fact and opinion. Religious Education lessons at Ox Close are differentiated to allow all pupils to take part. Group work and adult support allow for inclusivity and supports the development of knowledge and understanding and critical thinking. The development of this knowledge, understanding and critical thinking assists in developing a growth mindset, in line with the school mantra of ‘Be The Best You Can Be’.

Religious Education at Ox Close offers opportunities to develop a love of reading through the promotion of topic-based texts and the exploration of language, meaning and symbolism across the core religions as outlined in the Durham Agreed Syllabus. Enquiry based learning allows children to carry out research in varying ways. Use of religious and non-religious literature using key specific terminology to enrich vocabulary is a key aspect of children’s learning in religious education.

Development of key knowledge in Religious Education helps pupils deal positively with controversial issues and challenge prejudice. It makes a significant contribution to the active promotion of mutual respect and tolerance, encourages them to celebrate individuality and develops self-esteem. The supportive, inclusive culture within the learning environment enables children to express their feelings and to develop informed opinions and views of the world.