Intent

As a Church of England School we believe that Religious Education is a unique subject that enriches and challenges our children's understanding of the world they live in.  Religious Education equips children with the knowledge to understand a range of religions and beliefs and the skills to understand, interpret and articulate their personal beliefs, values and experiences. 

Through our religious Education curriculum we aim to:

Make sense of a range of religious beliefs, so children can:

• Identify, describe and explain beliefs and concepts in the context of living religions, using appropriate vocabulary.
• Explain how and why these beliefs are understood in different ways, by individuals and within communities.
• Recognise how and why sources of authority (e.g. texts, teachings, traditions, leaders) are used and interpreted in different ways, developing skills of interpretation.

Understand the impact and significance of religious and non-religious beliefs, so they can:

• Examine and explain how and why people express their beliefs in diverse ways.
• Recognise ways in which people put their beliefs into action in different ways, in their everyday lives, within their communities and in the wider world. 
• Appreciate and appraise the significance of different ways of life.

Make connections between religious and non-religious beliefs, concepts, practices and ideas studied, so that they can:

• Reflect on key concepts, responding thoughtfully, giving good reasons for their responses.
• Recognise possible connections between the ideas studied and their own ways of understanding the world.

Implementation

Religious Education is a statutory subject and must be provided for all children in state-funded schools in England, unless withdrawn by their parents.

At Caldecote CE Academy we have adopted and follow the locally agreed syllabus for Bedfordshire. 'Identities, Meanings and Values.'  All children who attend our school from Reception to the end of Year 4 follow this syllabus. 

To supplement the Bedfordshire Syllabus we use 'Understanding Christianity: Text, Impact and Connections'.

Alongside the coverage of RE as a curriculum subject, we provide a range of extra-curricular activities designed to enhance of RE provision, our Christian Distinctiveness as a Church School and to support our children's personal development. 

Lessons are planned in a variety of ways ensuring that all children can access and participate in all aspects of the curriculum. We are an inclusive school, which tailors the curriculum and lesson delivery to meet the individual needs of our children. 

Throughout RE, we encourage our children to share  and discuss their beliefs and to be curious about the beliefs of other people. 

Children's attainment and progress is assessed through the use of key outcomes within the Bedfordshire Syllabus. These outcomes focus on three elements:

• Making sense of beliefs
• Understanding the impact
• Making connections

Each element is covered across the academic year, balancing knowledge with key skills. 

Progress and attainment in RE is reported annually to parents within the end of year school report. 

Impact

The religious Education provision at Caldecote impacts upon our children in the following ways:

• Children develop their knowledge of religious and non-religious beliefs.
• Children develop their ability to understand and respond to a range of religious traditions.
• Our children understand and respect different religions, beliefs, values and traditions.
• We encourage and support our children to be reflective and expressive and communicate their feelings and personal responses.
• Our children develop a respect for and understanding of other people's beliefs. 
• Our children develop and demonstrate an understanding of Christian and British values, sensitively respecting other faiths and beliefs.
• They experience a broad range of opportunities, both within the RE curriculum and as part of a distinctively Christian School.
• They experience an education and curriculum provision that is grounded in our values and provides opportunities for Social, Moral, Cultural and Spiritual development and growth.