RE

Religious Education at Woodford Valley C of E Primary Academy enables all pupils to look at the world with awe and wonder.

“We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.” Mother Teresa

Intent

Grounded in distinct Christian values, we believe that children should be encouraged to ask ‘Big Questions’ in RE lessons which then drives their learning, wisdom and curiosity. These questions are based around Christianity as well as other faiths and worldviews. This allows the children to explore their relationships with God, each other and the wider world and enables them show respect and dignity towards others. RE encourages the children to build skills of trust and empathy within the school community and beyond. We want to nurture our children spiritually so they become the best that they can be.

Implementation

We use the Wiltshire Agreed Syllabus; alongside this we use Understanding Christianity. From 2024 we have begun to use the Emmanuel Project resources to give us more scope. Our staff work together to achieve excellent outcomes for the learners who develop as well rounded, caring people.

RE is at the core of our everyday school life, its values and skills enable the children to question, contribute and develop their learning. RE lessons are taught every week in each Year group and are designed and sequenced to build the children’s depth of knowledge about different faiths and worldviews during their time at Woodford Valley Primary Academy. 

Impact

We want our children to enjoy religious education, embedding ideas and values whilst  exploring worldviews that will enable them to live in the world, today.

Subject Leader – Rebecca Woodley

The Right of Withdrawal from Religious Education:

Religion and belief have become more visible in public life in recent years, making it important that all pupils should have an opportunity to engage in RE.   However, the parent of a pupil at a community, foundation or voluntary school (or pupils themselves if they are aged 18 or over) may request that they be excused from all or part of the religious education (RE) provided. 

Parents who wish to withdraw their children from RE should be aware of its aims and what is covered in the RE curriculum and that they are given the opportunity to discuss this if they wish. It should be made clear whether the withdrawal is from the whole RE curriculum or specific parts of it. No reasons need be given.

Confirmation – 2022