Curriculum – R.E
Religious Education is part of the basic curriculum but not part of the National Curriculum because it is taught in accordance with a locally agreed syllabus, in our case the Hertfordshire Agreed Syllabus 2017-2022. At Cassiobury Infant and Nursery School we do not attempt to alter a child’s own beliefs but recognise the value in a syllabus that requires children to learn about religion and from religion. Children will be encouraged to reflect on their own beliefs and values whilst acknowledging that others may hold beliefs different to their own. RE has an important role to play in preparing pupils for adult life. It encourages pupils to develop their sense of identity and belonging. It enables them to develop individually, within their communities, as members of a diverse society and as global citizens.
The Hertfordshire Agreed Syllabus, as required by the Education Act 1996, reflects ‘the fact that the religious traditions in Great Britain are in the main Christian whilst taking account of the teaching practices of the other principal religions represented in Great Britain’. RE will be taught in each class each term. It may focus around religious festivals or follow a theme such as ‘Special Books’.
In Key Stage 1, the main religions learnt about are Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism and Islam. However, other religions may also be studied in less detail throughout the school during assembly and special festival celebrations.
Parents have the right to withdraw their child from Religious Education on the grounds of conscience and they should contact the Headteacher if they feel they would like to discuss this. Parents wishing to view the Hertfordshire Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education 2017 – 2022 should request access to a hard copy via the school office.
Examples of how we are supporting our R.E Curriculum
Festivals and Assemblies
The Festival of Holi
Mrs Sivagaran led an assembly about Hinduism and the festival of Holi.
Belonging
Rev Michael spoke to Year 1 about the Church’s place in the community as part of their RE topic of ‘Belonging’.
Christmas
After learning about the Christian festival of Christmas in school, Reverend Michael welcomed us all to St Luke’s Church for a Christmas service.
Festival of Sukkot
Year 1 learnt about the Jewish festival of Sukkot. Mr Fisher from the Watford and District Synagogue came to tell them how his community had been celebrating the festival and the children all made sukkot in groups in their classes.
Harvest Assembly
The children all sang some harvest songs that they had learnt and Rev Middlebrook, from St Luke’s Church, showed us that if you cut an apple in half it reveals a star shape inside. He told us that we can all be stars too if we are kind and thoughtful to others and always try our best. A huge thank you to all those who brought in donations of food. We were overwhelmed by your generosity. Members of the school council helped to collect it all and then pack it up ready to be given to the Watford Foodbank at the end.
Eid Assembly
Follow our Twitter hashtag #CassInfRE (Twitter account required)
