RE

“What we think, we become”

Siddhartha Gautama
(Buddha)

Staff members 

Mr B Young - Head of Department

Miss J Bartlett
Miss I Connor
Miss S Paterson
Miss E Stimpson
Mr M Vlassak

Subject Definition

Religious Education aims to ensure that all students know about and understand a range of religions and worldviews, so that they can describe, explain and analyse beliefs and practices, recognising the diversity which exists within and between communities and amongst individuals.

Subject Purpose

Studying Religious Education allows students to understanding the world we live in and be able to embrace and understand different cultures. To engage with difficult topics that aid preparation for life beyond the classroom. To promote spiritual, moral, social and cultural learning through a safe and structured environment. To give students the opportunity to think and reflect upon their values, opinions and beliefs and facilitate the discussion allowing expression of personal beliefs through respectful communication.

To support students in developing their sense of identity and belonging and enable them to flourish individually within their communities and as citizens in a diverse world.

Religious Education has never been more relevant, engaging or challenging as religion & religious issues are in the news every day. For pupils to be able to understand our constantly changing world they need to be able to interpret religious issues & evaluate their significance. RE gives students valuable insights into the diverse beliefs & opinions held by people today.

Religious Education helps to shape a student’s own personal development & supports an understanding of the spiritual, moral, social & cultural questions that surface again & again in their lives. In tackling difficult questions, it provides pupils with insight that can work to challenge stereotypes, promote cohesion, and tackle discrimination.

Religious Education can help to:

-Promote respect for self and others
-Contribute to an understanding of history and culture
-Enhance our understanding of global affairs
-Develop personal well-being and happiness
-Generate social and community cohesion
-Tackle extremism and religious discrimination

The ability to make reasoned, informed and creative responses to religious and moral issues.

To recognise the influence of beliefs, values and traditions on the individual, on culture and on communities throughout the world.

To develop knowledge and understanding of religions and beliefs represented in Great Britain, both through their history and their contemporary diverse expressions.

To articulate clearly and coherently their personal beliefs, ideas, values and experiences, whilst respecting the right of others to differ. The ability to developed critical thinking skills.

An aptitude for dialogue so that they can participate positively in our society with its diversity of beliefs.