At FPPF, we are transitioning to the Discovery RE programme and schemes of work.

We have selected topics and lessons to ensure that the children get a joined up approach to their RE lessons form Year 1 to Year 6 whilst also adhering to the Pan Berkshire SACRE expectations.

Discovery RE is an enquiry-based scheme of work, covering the 6 principal world faiths in a progressive way from Reception to Year 6. 

In the early years, the learning is closely matched to Development Matters to contribute meaningfully to your child’s holistic development. Throughout all the enquiries, the children’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural education is carefully considered.

Each enquiry lasts for half a term and begins with a “big” question such as “What is the best way for a Christian/Jew/Muslim etc. to show commitment to God?” The children then start discussing the theme of the enquiry (in this case, commitment) from their own experience. What have they shown commitment to? Brownies? Cubs? Their sporting team? Playing an instrument?

Only when the children fully understand the concept they are considering, do they then move on to investigating what the people following the studied religion believe about it. They will spend approximately 3 sessions on this, learning in a variety of ways, so they can adapt their responses and come to a measured conclusion. In session 5 they will complete an activity which can assess their learning, by answering their “big” question. The assessment activities are child friendly and can be answered in a variety of ways, as long as the child can justify their view with the knowledge they have gained throughout the enquiry. This demonstrates the level of critical thinking that the children can apply – a valuable skill for them throughout the school curriculum.

The final session in every enquiry gives the children time to reflect on what they have learnt about the concept and apply to it their own lives, thus allowing them to form their own beliefs and identity. For example, learning that Sikhs share their food with all who attend has taught me ……… about sharing that I would like to take forward with me. These lessons are often very creative and children have opportunities to make items to express themselves in ways other than just writing.

Discovery RE gives schools a choice of which religions to teach in different year groups. At Furze Platt Junior School we have chosen the following options as we feel this best suits the needs of our children and our community.

Intent

At FPPF we value Religious Education.  Religious education contributes towards teaching Tolerance and respect for all. Religious Education enables pupils to gain knowledge and understanding of a range of religions and the world they live in order to engage in informed and balanced conversations about religions and beliefs. In addition to learning about religions and worldviews, Religious Education offers students the chance to develop spiritually, morally, socially and culturally and to reflect on their own beliefs. RE plays an important role in preparing pupils for life in the modern world, and should enable them to flourish as citizens in a multi-cultural community.

Characteristics

• RC1: A strong foundation of different religion’s beliefs and teachings; asking significant and reflective questions about the similarities and differences between themselves and others.
• RC2: How religions create a sense of belonging through rituals and lifestyles and how these compare and contrast to other religions
• RC3: How beliefs are expressed and provoking responses to questions about meaning, purpose, beliefs about God, issues of right and wrong and what it means to be human.
• RC4: The ability to link the study of religion and belief to personal reflections on meaning, belonging and purpose.
• RC5: A strong understanding of how the beliefs, values, practices and ways of life within any religion cohere together; comparing these values to our shared school values and our individual ways of life