Religious Education
We recognise the importance of giving young people the opportunity to reflect on how different beliefs affect them and those around them. This is particularly significant when living in a society filled with a variety of cultures and different belief systems.
Through our enquiry-based curriculum, we encourage our pupils to discuss key questions about different aspects of religious life and to reflect on how these compare and contrast with their own beliefs, values and experiences.
Our RE Lessons help pupils to develop their knowledge of world faiths and gain a deeper insight and awareness of the beliefs, values and traditions of other individuals, societies, communities, and cultures. Children are also given the opportunity to explore how beliefs can shape an individual’s identity and form moral values.
We use a multi-sensory approach to
engage with our Religious Education curriculum, and this is further enhanced with trips to places of worship in our local area. To underpin pupils’ knowledge and understanding of different religions, we also draw on the personal religious experiences that are shared and celebrated by those in our diverse school community, as well as encouraging engagement through thoughtful classroom discussions.
At JKPS we follow the Southwark SACRE (Standing Advisory Councils for RE) RE Curriculum. From Year 2 children have their own RE books, which follow them up to the next school year.
The Big Question
Each year group explores one 'Big Question' about religion. Each term children explore their question in the context of one of the world’s major religions, as well as looking at it from the tradition of secularism. Over the course of year, children will learn about Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism.
- Year 1 — What does it mean to belong?
- Year 2 — Can stories change people?
- Year 3 — How are symbols and sayings important in religion?
- Year 4 — What is special to me and the people in my community?
- Year 5 — How do beliefs influence actions?
- Year 6 — How important are similarities and differences between and within religions?
Culture and Identity
JKPS is part of a wonderful diverse community. We recognise that religion and belief, for many people, forms a crucial part of their culture and identity, therefore we encourage children to respond freely to experiences and questions which may arise, and we equip children with the knowledge needed, to ensure that their forms of enquiry and response are conveyed in a sensitive and respectful way.
We believe that RE contributes to spiritual, moral, social and cultural development (SMSC) of all children, providing us with opportunities to develop pupils learning and understanding of people they will meet, work and live alongside.