At Battle Hill we understand the importance of our diverse and multicultural community, both locally and nationally. It is with this multiculturalism in mind, alongside British values, that we aim to broaden our pupils’ understanding of religious beliefs, past times and cultures. We provide our students with a wealth of opportunities to learn about how others around them see and perceive the world whilst providing time for reflection and discussion to deepen understanding and sense of belonging.
We do this through:
- Providing an enjoyable, child centred approach to learning about religion.
- An inclusive, spiral curriculum that allows pupils to build on prior understanding as they grow and mature.
- Educational visits so pupils can see first-hand different places of worship and how these religions are practised.
- Teaching and learning in an inclusive, empathetic environment where children feel safe to discuss perceptions and beliefs.
- Working alongside the local authority, community and the Religious Education Resource Centre to provide a rich and contemporary experience of different religions.
- Including a range of visual and physical aides for pupils to immerse themselves in their learning.
Impact:
The RE curriculum at Battle Hill Primary School allows children to develop a sound level of religious understanding and knowledge.
Pupils will have engaged with a range of ultimate questions about the meaning and significance of existence, as well as having the ability to ask significant and highly reflective questions about religion, demonstrating an understanding of issues related to the nature and value of religious thought. Pupils will have developed an understanding of how the beliefs, values, practices and ways of life within a religion cohere together whilst having the independence and initiative to question, investigate and evaluate these practices for themselves. Pupils work constructively with others to link the study of religion and belief to personal experiences supported by a broad knowledge of a wide range of religions and beliefs.
Parents have the right to withdraw their children from all or part of RE and/or collective worship. When this happens, the school remains responsible for the supervision of the child and the health and safety of the child remains paramount.
However, this should not incur extra cost to the school i.e. a child need not be supervised by a teacher or an assistant in a room on their own. It is usual for the child to be supervised in a library or with another class of pupils.
It is not recommend that children remain in the back of the RE classroom or assembly hall.
Parents do not need to give reasons for their request for the withdrawal of their child from RE and / or collective worship. However, senior leaders may choose, to discuss their reasons with them. This helps avoid any misunderstanding there may be about the nature and purpose of RE and collective worship, including visits to faith communities and places of worship. (Note: RE and collective worship in schools are educational. RE is not be designed to convert pupils or to urge a particular religion or religious belief on pupils).
Schools are not responsible for providing alternative provision, an alternative curriculum or extra work. The school should not incur any extra cost. For example, a parent cannot ask for extra English or Maths work to be given to their child. No extra marking should take place.
