Religious Education

At Stonehill School we deliver RE in line with the Locally Agreed Syllabus. We use the Jigsaw RE programme as our scheme of work. Jigsaw RE meets the requirements of our locally agreed syllabus and is aligned to all non- statutory guidance.

Jigsaw RE is an enquiry-based scheme of work, covering the principal world faiths and humanism in a progressive way from Year 1 to Year 6 . In the early years, the learning is closely matched to Development Matters to contribute meaningfully to the childrens holistic development. Throughout all the enquiries, the children’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural education is carefully considered.

Each enquiry lasts for half a term and begins with a “big” question such as “What is the best way for a Christian/Jew/Muslim etc. to show commitment to God?” The children then start discussing the theme of the enquiry (in this case, commitment) from their own experience. What have they shown commitment to? Brownies? Cubs? Their sporting team? Playing an instrument?

Only when the children fully understand the concept they are considering, do they then move on to investigating what the people following the studied religion or worldview believe about it. They will spend approximately 3 lessons on this, learning in a variety of ways, so they can adapt their responses and come to a measured conclusion. In week 5 they will complete an activity which can assess their learning, by answering their “big” question. The assessment activities are child friendly and can be answered in a variety of ways, as long as the child can justify their view with the knowledge they have gained throughout the enquiry. This demonstrates the level of critical thinking that the children can apply – a valuable skill for them throughout the school curriculum.

The final week in every enquiry gives the children time to reflect on what they have learnt about the concept and apply to it their own lives, thus allowing them to form their own beliefs and identity. For example, learning that Sikhs share their food with all who attend has taught me about sharing that I would like to take forward with me. These lessons are often very creative and children have opportunities to make items to express themselves in ways other than just writing.

Jigsaw RE gives schools a choice of which religions to teach in different year groups. At Stonehill school we have chosen the following options as we feel this best suits the needs of our children and creates a cohesive approach to our topic planning.

RE Whole School Overview

Autumn 1

Autumn 2

Spring 1

Spring 2

Summer 1

Summer 2

EYFS

Special People

What makes people special?

Christmas

What is Christmas?

Celebrations in different cultures and world views

Easter (Salvation)

What is Easter?

Stories

What can we learn from stories?

Special places

What makes places specials?

Year 1

Christianity

Judaism

Christianity

Judaism

Creation, God the Father as an introduction to the Trinity.

What do Christians believe about God?

Incarnation, God the Son as continued introduction to the Trinity.

What gifts might Christians in my town have given Jesus if He has been born here rather than in Bethlehem?

The special relationship Jews have with God

Who is God to the Jews?

Salvation, God the Son – continuation of introduction to the Trinity.

Why was Jesus welcomed like a king?

Shabbat

Is Shabbat important to Jewish children?

Prayer and worship

Does visiting the synagogue help Jewish children feel closer to God?

Year 2

Christianity

Islam

Christianity

Islam

Jesus’s example as the Son of God.

Is it possible to be kind to everyone all of the time?

Christmas – Jesus as a gift from God

Why do Christians believe God gave Jesus to the world?

The 99 names of Allah

Who is God to Muslims?

Salvation – Resurrections of Jesus at Easter

How important is it to Christians that Jesus came back to life after his crucifixion?

The prophet Muhammad

How important is the prophet Muhammad to Muslims?

The Qur’an – holy book

How important is the Qur’an to Muslims?

Year 3

Hinduism

Christianity

Hinduism

Pilgrimage

Would visiting the River Ganges make a person a better Sanatani?

Christmas

Has Christmas lost its true meaning?

Incarnation, God the Son

Could Jesus heal people?

Salvation

What is ‘good’ about Good Friday?

Belief – aspects of one supreme being.

What do some deities tell Sanatanis about God?

Belief into action

What is the best way for a Sanatani to lead a good life?

Year 4

Buddhism

Christianity

Buddhism

Christianity

Buddhism

Christianity

Life and Teachings of the Buddha

Is it possible for everyone to be happy?

Incarnation

What is the most significant part of the Nativity story for Christians today?

Buddha’s teachings

Can the Buddha’s teachings make the world a better place?

Easter (Salvation)

Is forgiveness always possible for Christians?

Beliefs into practice

What is the best way for a Buddhist to lead a good life?

Prayer and Worship

Do people need to go to church to show they are Christians?

Year 5

Sikhism

Christianity

Sikhism

Christianity

Sikhism

Christianity

Beliefs into action

How far would a Sikh go for their religion?

Incarnation

Is the Christmas story true?

Beliefs and moral values

How are sacred teachings and stories interpreted by Sikhs today?

Salvation

How significant is it for Christians to believe that God intended Jesus to die?

Prayer and Worship

What is the best way for a Sikh to show commitment to God?

Beliefs and practices

What is the best way for a Christian to show commitment to God?

Year 6

Islam

Christianity

Islam

Commitment

What is the best way for a Muslim to show commitment to God?

Incarnation

How significant is it that Mary was Jesus’ mother?

Beliefs and Meanings

Is anything ever eternal?

Beliefs and Meanings

Is Christianity still a strong religion over 2000 years after Jesus was on Earth

Sacred writings

How is the Qur’an vital to Muslims today?

Life after death

Does belief in Akhirah help Muslims lead good lives?

If you would like to find out any more information about the RE Curriculum please speak to your child's class teacher or Ms Gunther (subject leader).

R. E Intent, Implementation and Impact