RE

We teach RE through Discovery RE which is a whole school approach to Religious Education covering Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism, with reference to Humanism. See www.discoveryschemeofwork.com

We aim that our children gain a coherent understanding of religions and world views, preparing them for life in and beyond Cornwall and the UK. We want our children to have a deep understanding of religion and its place in the lives of groups and individuals, as well as the language to discuss their own beliefs and those of others. We want them to explore what people believe and the difference it makes to how they live, so they grow in knowledge, understanding, and skill. Our aim is to equip them to manage questions raised by religion and belief, reflecting on their own ideas and ways of living.

Our belief is that, using an enquiry-based model well, children’s critical thinking skills can be developed, their motivation to learn increased, and their knowledge and understanding of, and empathy with people and their beliefs, religious or otherwise, will be enhanced. This approach takes very seriously the philosophy that children are free to make their own choices and decisions concerning religion and belief. RE does not try to persuade but rather to inform and develop the skills with which evaluation can take place.

Every unit (enquiry) is based around a key question. The key question for the enquiry is such that it demands an answer that weighs up ‘evidence’ (subject knowledge) and reaches a conclusion based on this. This requires children to use their subject knowledge and apply it to the enquiry question, rather than this knowledge being an end in itself. Discovery RE focuses on critical thinking skills, on personal reflection into the child’s own thoughts and feelings, on growing subject knowledge and nurturing spiritual development.

We are a village school and so are part of the many village events that happen every year. Many of these follow a Christian liturgical year. Our assemblies inform, investigate and reflect on a multifaith year.