Vision Statement
Religious Education at Ormiston South Parade Academy plays an important role in the growth of pupil’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. The principle aim of RE at our academy is to engage pupils in an enquiry approach where they can develop knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the 6 Key world religions and worldviews in the local, national and global community. By the time children leave we want them to be questioning, understanding and respectful of each other and have a deeper understanding of the multi-cultural and diverse society they will move into as adults.
The Delivery
In classrooms every teacher creates a positive atmosphere, where children feel confident and comfortable sharing their own beliefs and ideas while acknowledging that not everyone has the same sets of values. Our whole school approach to the teaching and learning of RE is:
- Class teachers follow the unit plans set out in the 2018 Lincolnshire Agreed Syllabus. These are based on the themes of Living, Believing and Thinking. Each year group teaches 2 compulsory units from the syllabus and 1 additional unit.
- The RE curriculum is a spiral based curriculum. Each year builds on the previous year’s knowledge and understanding. Links are made between religions, enabling children to make comparisons and discuss differences.
- The unit plans have been adapted by the RE leader to allow for progression in skills and knowledge throughout children’s time at OSPA. Through their school career at Ormiston South Parade Academy children will learn about and from all 6 key world religions, with a greater focus in Key stage 1 on Christianity and Islam and in Key Stage 2 on Christianity, Hinduism and Islam. These focus religions have been chosen as they reflect the local community where our academy is based. There is also opportunity for children to learn about other world views such as Humanism.
- Lessons are planned where children have the opportunity to discuss, question and consider answers to ultimate questions such as ‘Who is God?’ ‘Why do bad things happen?’. They are encouraged to understand, appreciate and respect that everyone has different ideas, thoughts and beliefs and that they don’t always have to agree with each other. Through discussions they can compare and contrast religious beliefs and values with their own ideas.
- Teaching of RE is enriched in many different ways. Teachers provide opportunities for children to handle religious artefacts, explore sacred texts and respond to images through stories, artwork, music and dance. Children are encouraged to ask questions and explore their ideas through classroom discussions. Teachers create a safe environment where children feel comfortable to state their ideas and opinions.
- Children are offered the opportunity to make visits to places of worship. Where this is not possible, use of videos and the internet is made. Opportunities to meet and engage with visitors from the local religions communities are also provided.
- Children have the chance to take part in whole school events- (multi-faith days, Harvest Festival, Diwali, school performances)