I am a philosopher...

I like to think, debate and ask big questions about life, faith, and what people believe. I enjoy learning about different religions, cultures and moral issues. I am learning to make good choices and to think carefully about what is right and wrong. I know that everyone has their own beliefs, and that faith is special and sometimes private. I enjoy listening to religious stories and using them to help me understand others as well as myself. I am kind, caring, and I try to show empathy. I like exploring religions through songs, stories, and talking with others. I feel a sense of awe, wonder and appreciation when I think about faith and spirituality.

Religious learning across our school

Intent

Religious Education (RE) plays a vital role in fostering respectful, knowledgeable, and reflective learners who are prepared to engage thoughtfully with the world around them.

In today’s world, it is vital to teach our children about the traditions, festivals and values of others. We also encourage children to share their experiences and celebrate their own beliefs.

We aim to equip our pupils with a deep understanding of a range of religious and non-religious worldviews, helping them explore questions of meaning, purpose, and identity. Through high-quality teaching, we encourage curiosity, empathy, and critical thinking, enabling children to form and articulate their own beliefs while respecting those of others.

Implementation 

Our curriculum seeks to develop 'religious literacy' amongst our children, in which their learning is progressive and continuously built upon from one year to the next. Pupils encounter core concepts in religion and belief in a coherent way, developing their understanding and their ability to answer and pose questions. 

At the beginning of all units of learning, the children are asked 'The big question', which is the overarching theme of the learning for the term. The question is posed to the children again at the end of the term, and allows them to demonstrate all of the new knowledge they have gained. 

We implement the following provision to achieve the desired outcomes and the statutory requirement for Religious Education:

RE is taught as a discrete subject, where possible, we will work in a cross-curricular way involving PSHE, literacy, drama, music, art, history and geography. 

Within our local community, we have good links with the local churches and their members. We often take the opportunity to visit to learn from the church and its grounds, and hold events such as our annual carol concert to celebrate Christmas. As well as inviting in visitors to deliver assemblies, lead events such as Christingale, and support our learning in lessons.

Additionally, as a school, we explore a range of different religious celebrations and festivals as and when they occur over the course of the year and are truly immersed in their learning and exploration of the subject. 

This is achieved through the study of the following topics:

Photo Gallery 

Here is a selection of photos to showcase our learning from EYFS to Year Six

Impact

Religious Education (RE) offers opportunities for personal reflection and spiritual development while enhancing children’s awareness and understanding of religions and beliefs. As a result, it also encourages our pupils to learn from different religions, their beliefs, values and traditions while exploring their own beliefs.

When the children leave Stithians, they leave with;

• A well-informed understanding of Christianity and other principal religions and worldviews.
• The ability to express ideas clearly using accurate and appropriate vocabulary.
• Respect for the beliefs, values, tolerance and traditions of others.
• The critical thinking skills needed to reflect on their own beliefs and those of others in a meaningful way.
• The ability to be inquisitive, ask questions, and hold philosophical conversations

Regular assemblies and celebrations alongside weekly lessons help to celebrate the diversity of the wider community, including their beliefs, traditions, cultures, language, and history, whilst getting the pupils of Stithians school ready for the world around them! 

At Stithians, we follow the Cornwall Agreed Syllabus 2020 - 2025. Please see the following for more information. 

Parents have the right to discuss their opinions in regards to parts or all of our study of RE at Stithians. If you wish to do so, please email to make an appointment with a member of our team to discuss.