We base our teaching and learning style in RE on the key principle that good teaching in RE allows children both to learn about religious traditions and to reflect on what the religious ideas and concepts mean to them. Our teaching enables children to extend their own sense of values, and promotes their spiritual growth and development. We encourage children to think about their own views and values in relation to the themes and topics studied in the RE curriculum.
Subject Policies/Plans
RE Policy – 2023-2024
Collective Worship Policy 2023-2024
RE Curriculum Progression
Long term RE Plan for Key Stage 1 and 2
Whole school collective worship trips events plan
Subject Leader/s
Mrs Walsh-Blair and Mrs Gowan
Impact
At Thurnby Mead Primary Academy, we develop the children’s knowledge and understanding of the major world faiths, and address fundamental questions concerning, for example, the meaning of life and the existence of a divine spirit. We enable children to develop a sound knowledge not only of Christianity but also of other world religions, especially those that are the main faiths of children within our school. Children reflect on what it means to have a faith and to develop their own spiritual knowledge and understanding. We help the children to learn from religions as well as about religions.
The whole school had a brilliant opportunity to experience Chinese New Year through a Dragon Dance workshop. The children got to learn the dance of the dragon, lion and peacock and used many different props.
Our reception children learn about different religious festivals throughout the year. They particularly enjoy exploring Diwali, Christmas and Chinese New Year.
Year 1 have been learning all about the different religious festivals people celebrate and why. They have enjoyed learning about Diwali and made some wonderful lanterns. The children said they enjoyed the Diwali story and learnt that Diwali is also know as the festival of light.
During the Chinese Dance workshop shop the Year 2 children learnt the dance of the dragon.
Year 3 took part in a ‘What is Christmas’ workshop at our local church. They learnt about the preparation, journey and arrival of the baby Jesus in the Nativity story. They also compared the Christian celebration with other celebrations they have experienced, such as Eid and Diwali, and discussed how they were similar (eg family time, feasting, giving presents, decorating and cleaning homes).
Our Year 4 children have been learning about Early Islamic art and culture from Baghdad.
Year 5 have been learning about what it means to be a Hindu and the festival of Diwali. The children learnt about why Mehndi patterns are an important part of Hindu culture, they then designed and made some beautiful clay Diva lamps.
Our Year 6 children have been learning about what it means to be a Muslim. Some of the children demonstrated Wudu in class to explain what it is and how to do it. Year 6 have also visited a Mosque. Whilst there the children asked a lot of brilliant questions about Islamic beliefs and traditions and looked closely at the features of a Mosque.
Children within our DSP for speech, language, and communication needs, take part in weekly RE lessons. Last term they were learning about how Christmas is celebrated around the world. The children found this very interesting, and it inspired them to really think about how they themselves celebrate Christmas. The children were given the opportunity to choose their learning, and this had a great impact on the lesson outcomes.