Vision and Intent

Our vision for Religious Education at The Cathedral School is for all pupils to become confident, caring, compassionate members of a diverse global community. We aspire for all children to become religiously literate citizens who are able to make sense of their world and hold balanced, well informed views about it, which includes knowing how to agreeably disagree.

Through the teaching of Religious Education at The Cathedral School, we aim to equip the children with:

·         a rich, deep knowledge and understanding of Christian belief and practice, including ways that it is unique and diverse;

·         a knowledge and understanding of a range of other religious and non-religious world views in the world today;

·         gaining and deploying skills rooted in theology, philosophy and the human/social sciences by engaging critically with religious and non-religious world views

·         skills to hold a balanced and well-informed conversation about religious and non-religious worldviews;

·         opportunities for their own spiritual development and reflection on their own experiences.

 

Implementation

In accordance with the Church of England Statement of Entitlement (2019), we deliver a balanced and sequential curriculum that engages and challenges pupils through theology, philosophy and the human and social sciences. The Essex Agreed Syllabus (2023) is used to foster enquiry based learning that is underpinned by a series of core questions. Throughout an enquiry unit, children are given opportunities to engage, enquire and explore key concepts around the core question, and evaluate and express their own opinions and beliefs around the core question. The school works closely with the Chelmsford Diocese, following their guidelines and tailoring them to meet the specific needs of the children in our care. RE is taught through an enquiry model, encouraging active learning styles, for example using art, drama, music and poetry to enhance the children’s learning experience and encourage them to think for themselves. All lessons are planned and delivered to ensure that all children can access and participate in each lesson. Religious Education is taught on a weekly basis within each year group from EYFS. We acknowledge that parents have the right to withdraw their child from all or part of the Religious Education provided at the school.

 

Impact

The children at The Cathedral School feel valued as individuals, knowing that their beliefs are valued and celebrated, and are equipped to value the beliefs of others with sensitivity and respect. They enjoy learning religious and non-religious worldviews with an understanding of why people choose or choose not to follow a religion. As children move through the each year group, they develop their own knowledge and understanding of their own lives and those of others in their community and the wider world. The children ask high level questions, challenge their own and others understanding of different religions and understand how religious diversity impacts their community. Through our RE Curriculum and our 4 core Christian values, we aim to develop and strengthen the distinctive Christian character of the school. Our 4 core Christian values are hope, compassion, wisdom and courage.