Shaw Hill

Religious Education

Religious Education enables children to investigate and reflect on some of the most fundamental questions asked by people. At Shaw Hill Primary School we develop the children’s knowledge and understanding of the major world faiths, and we address the fundamental questions in life, for example, the meaning of life and the existence of a divine spirit. We enable children to develop a sound knowledge of Christianity and other world religions.   Children reflect on what it means to have a faith and to develop their own spiritual knowledge and understanding. We help the children learn from religions as well as about religions.

Aims

  • develop an awareness of spiritual and moral issues in life experiences;
  • develop knowledge and understanding of Christianity and other major world religions and value systems found in Britain;
  • develop an understanding of what it means to be committed to a religious tradition;
  • be able to reflect on their own experiences and to develop a personal response to the fundamental questions of life;
  • develop an understanding of religious traditions and to appreciate the cultural differences in Britain today;
  • develop investigative and research skills and to enable them to make reasoned judgements about religious issues;
  • have respect for other peoples’ views and to celebrate the diversity in society

At Shaw Hill we follow the agreed syllabus for Birmingham schools, Faith Makes a Difference.  The delivery of the religious subject matter is designed to cultivate 24 dispositions taught by way of a spiral curriculum over two year cycles.  These dispositions, including, Appreciating Beauty and Being Thankful, have been defined by agreement amongst all religious traditions.

Pupils at Shaw Hill enjoy learning about different religions, enabling them to understand and appreciate other people's cultures.  They are able to make links between their own experiences and those of other religious backgrounds, promoting a mutual respect for each other within their community and the wider world.