Subject rationale

Through quality teaching of Religious Education we encourage the children to ask and find answers to big questions about the ultimate meaning and purpose of life, beliefs about God or ultimate reality, issues of right and wrong and what it means to be human.

Teaching should equip pupils with knowledge and understanding of a range of religions and non-religious worldviews. It should enable pupils to develop their own views, values and identity. It should develop an aptitude for dialogue in pupils and the capacity to participate positively as members of a diverse society and a globalising world. We want our children to develop respect and understanding of views different to their own and recognise how they can make an impact on society both locally and globally.

Our subject rationale for Religious Education at The Wilfred Owen School is to provide every child with the opportunities to gain;

• an outstanding level of religious understanding and knowledge.

• a thorough engagement with a range of ultimate questions about the meaning and significance of existence.

• the ability to ask significant and highly reflective questions about religion and demonstrate an excellent understanding of issues related to the nature, truth and value of religion.

• a strong understanding of how the beliefs, values, practices and ways of life within any religion cohere together.

• exceptional independence; the ability to think for themselves and take the initiative in, for example, asking questions, carrying out investigations, evaluating ideas and working constructively with others.

• significant levels of originality, imagination or creativity, which are shown in their responses to their learning in RE.

• the ability to link the study of religion and belief to personal reflections on meaning and purpose.

• a wide knowledge and deep understanding across a wide range of religions and beliefs.