Aims & Purpose

Each subject leader regularly reviews the purpose and aims for their subjects.  These are based upon the National Curriculum statements, developed by a range of educational and subject-specific experts.  These statements lay out the aims of each subject at Dorney School.

RE

In our school, we realise the opportunity Religious Education gives us to support, enhance and develop the whole child; spiritually, morally, socially and culturally. We work hard as a whole school to cultivate a strong sense of identity in every individual and a mutual respect and empathy with one another. Our high quality RE curriculum is ambitious and forward thinking. We strive to develop critical thinking skills whilst enhancing children’s knowledge and understanding of, and compassion for people and their beliefs, religious or otherwise. Our RE curriculum is broad and balanced, embracing the diversity of our school community – learning about religion and faith through each other. Our teaching does not simply seek to inform but to engage children in key questions to explore, investigate, evaluate and express. Through our RE curriculum we recognise our important role in teaching our pupils to express their beliefs and values with confidence, to respect the cultural differences of others (locally, nationally and globally) and to contribute positively to a cohesive and compassionate society.

The curriculum framework for RE breaks down the aims of RE learning into three strands:

A.     Know about and understand a range of religions and world views so that they can:

• describe, explain and analyse beliefs and practices, recognising diversity that exists within and between communities and amongst individuals;
• identify, investigate and respond to questions posed;
• appreciate and praise the nature, significance and impact of different ways of life and ways of expressing meaning.

B.     Express ideas and insights about the nature, significance and impact of worldwide   views, so that they can:

• explain reasonably their ideas about how beliefs, practices and forms of expression influence individuals and communities;
• Express their personal reflections and critical responses to questions about teachings of identity, diversity, meaning and value, including ethical issues;
• appreciate and appraise varied dimensions of religion or a worldview.

C.    Gain and deploy the skills needed to engage seriously with religions and worldviews, so they can:

• find out about and investigate key concepts and questions of belonging, meaning, purpose and truth, responding creatively;
• enquire into what enables different individuals and communities to live together respectfully for the wellbeing of all.
• articulate beliefs, values and commitments clearly in order to explain why they may be important in their own and other people’s lives.

Curriculum Overviews

Our curriculum has been mapped to ensure that there is clear progression across the school. Subject leaders regularly review the topics taught in each year group to ensure that pupils are taught the right content at the right time.