Religion is a uniquely human phenomenon which helps many people make sense of what it means to be them. Eslington Primary School follows Gateshead Agreed Syllabus 2018. Through the study of Christianity and other major world faiths, children at Eslington Primary School are challenged to think deeply about their own beliefs (religious or otherwise) and the beliefs of others. The religions we study at Eslington reflect the diverse population of Gateshead (North-East) and of Britain as a whole.
At Eslington it is our intent that the curriculum, the planning, the teaching and assessment will provide high quality education in Religious Education; so that the children learn more, remember more and use new skills in their own lives and learning. The “Big Ideas” which underpin the Religious Education Curriculum at Eslington are: Continuity, Change and Diversity; Expressing Ourselves; A Good Life, What’s It All About; Influence, Community and Culture and The Big Picture.
We deliver our intended curriculum by implementing a well sequenced, well-constructed curriculum which allows the children to build upon their existing knowledge and skills. Teaching resources used provide an engaging ‘hook’ for individual learners. These might be picture slides, educational video clips or questioning to promote the children’s independent thinking skills. We use their experiences at religious festivals such as Easter, Diwali, Passover etc. Children carry out research into religious topics. They may prepare presentations, shared with other members of the school in assemblies or through displays.
At Eslington school the impact of Religious Education is that children are able to use new skills in their own lives and learning. The impact of R.E. is not only measured in terms of progress, from starting point and attainment levels achieved, but also seen through other aspects, social situations, and SMSC opportunities throughout the school. At Eslington school the impact of Religious Education is that children are able to make links between their own lives and those of others in their community and in the wider world, developing an understanding of other people’s cultures and ways of life, which they are then able to communicate to the wider community. R.E. offers our children the means by which to understand how other people choose to live and to understand why they choose to live in that way.