Religious Education (R.E)

Intent

At St William's we aim to give children a deeper knowledge and understanding of the Catholic faith. We give the religious, spiritual and moral education of our children the highest priority.

Education at St William’s school promotes a shared vision of our lives based on Christ centred virtues that seeks the flourishing of pupils, young people and all members of the school community. This includes virtues of love, friendship and kindness. Our multilingual and diverse community provides opportunities for all children to grow in love, faith and friendship.

Religious Education guides every part of our school day where we endeavour to educate the whole child. We recognise and value every individual as special and unique in the image and likeness of God. Our Religious Education curriculum leads our children to aspire not to have more, but to be more.

These intentions fall in line with our mission statement; ‘Christ at our Heart.’

Implementation

As RE is a core subject it is taught for 10% of the curriculum, which is in line with the Bishops’ Conference recommendations, this means two and a half hours in Key stage 2 and two hours in Key Stage 1. This does not include liturgy and prayer.

As a 'School of Oracy' we provide all our learners, including SEND, EAL and those children who are working at depth, an opportunity to explain their faith. They will have chance to discuss their own beliefs and the impact that teaching and learning has had on this belief. We allow all our children to express their own feelings and they can discuss any challenges that they may face on a regular basis. As a 'School of Enquiry' we want the children to ask Why? How? When? If?

As a 'School of Faith' our children are taught about God’s love; they learn about their Christian responsibilities; children are provided with experiences of church and Catholic and Christian traditions. The children are encouraged to express their own faith and to be respectful and understanding of people and traditions from other faith backgrounds. RE lessons will be faith-filled, enjoyable lessons where each child feels they belong to our school community. The use of religious vocabulary is used in all lessons by both the adults and children. Through discussion, challenge and talking partners the children develop a deeper understanding.

God’s World and what he created is important to our children and the use of our outdoor space for play, reflection, learning and stillness allows both children and adults to create a calmness for learning and Mental Wellness.

We follow ’The Way, The Truth and The Life’ Religious Education Programme from Reception through to Year 6. The programme provides a systematic presentation of Christian events, message and way of life in ways appropriate to the age and stage of development of the child. As a 'School of Mastery', we encourage and promote deeper thinking questions, discussions and reflection in all year groups. The use of age-appropriate Bibles and texts are used throughout the classes to enhance learning.

We will explore the religious dimensions of questions about life, dignity and purpose within the Catholic tradition. Time will be given to raise questions and provide time for reflection, discussion and understanding. As a 'School of Mental Wellness' time is given for quietness both in the classrooms and the chapel. This gives the children time to bring some stillness into their daily lives.

As a 'School of Diversity' during the school year we will develop a deeper understanding of a world faith and draw on the knowledge and experience of the children and families in our own community. We will spend one week each year studying Islam and Judaism. Our school community of St William’s is built up of many religions and we celebrate every child and family.

Visitors and visits provide us with first-hand experience of visiting a mosque and a synagogue. The faith communities in our area visit school to talk about their faith and help us to understand it through showing us artefacts, telling us stories, letting us ask questions and develop a greater knowledge of another faith.

Our Parish Priest, Fr Jude, visits us regularly. He celebrates mass at St William’s church with individual year groups. This helps the children to understand the meaning of the mass and the importance of celebrating the Eucharist. He discusses the Catholic faith with the children and encourages them to ask questions.

As a school community we fundraise for both local groups and charities that are close to our hearts, this includes Catholic Care, Bradford Royal Infirmary, Teams 4 U and The Good Shepherds Appeal. We also support Catholic Care through the Tuesday Club which is held at church. We send Easter and Christmas cards, help serve lunch, the school choir will entertain the guests and we have invited them over for afternoon tea and to talk about their time at school. All are great events and enjoyed by everyone.

The Mini Vinnies and Faith Leaders are an important part of our school. They are made up of 2 children from each year group. We meet together as a group to pray for the school and others and organise fundraising events throughout the school year.

Impact

Through the reflective and inspirational teaching of Religious Education at St William’s the children are given the opportunity to develop and become children of God.

Links that are made with the children's own experience and with universal experience. It will enable all the children to explore the beliefs, values and way of life of the Catholic tradition and other faith traditions.

They will talk openly and deeply about their Faith and reflect this in their everyday life. They show this learning through deep questioning, reflective responses, respect for all and treating others as God would want them too. The mastery approach at St William’s reflects the deep understanding and high expectations all our children to aspire, to learn and reflect on their faith.

The children are happy and confident in the St William’s community and have a clear understanding on their impact in it.

We know that our mission statement ‘Christ at our Heart’ guides us every day and every moment of our time at St William’s.