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Religious Education

“RE is extremely competently led and managed, consequently the subject enjoys a very high profile at the school. Lessons are highly motivating and inspiring, reflecting the Christian vision of the school exceptionally well. Key enquiry questions enable pupils to develop age appropriate accounts of Christianity and other religious traditions. For instance, pupils respond thoughtfully to questions such as, ‘What are the qualities of saints?’ and ‘What are God’s rules for living?’ As a result, pupils’ knowledge of theology and world religions is developing remarkably well. The school’s RE provision therefore more than meets the Church of England statement of entitlement.”

SIAMS 28th February 2019

RE provision

The Religious Education at Dulwich Village C of E Infants' School is an integral and vital element to the curriculum. It is best summarised through the words from the Southwark Diocese Board of Education: "Religious Education (RE) is not just an academic subject, but, lies at the very heart of the curriculum and has an important role in reflecting and conveying the distinctively Christian character of the school."

RE enables pupils to think theologically and explore the great questions of life and death, meaning and purpose; reflect critically on the truth claims of Christian belief; see how the truth of Christianity is relevant today and face the challenge of Jesus' teaching in a pluralist and post modern society; experience the breadth and variety of the Christian community and become active citizens, serving their neighbour.

SMSC Policy

Our Aims

In our school we want RE to enable pupils to:

  • Develop a strong foundation of the Christian faith through knowledge and understanding that includes Christian Beliefs and Values, The Bible, Old Testament Characters, the Life and Teachings of Jesus, Prayer and Worship, Saints, The Local Church, The Christian Community, Living out the Faith, Rites of Passage and Christian Festivals;
  • apply an understanding of Christianity to make reasoned and informed responses to life issues and moral choices;
  • develop some knowledge and understanding of other main world faiths represented in the United Kingdom, applying an understanding of religion to develop respect, empathy and sensitivity towards all people;
  • enhance their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development;
  • develop the ability to reflect on their own beliefs, values and experiences and communicate issues of faith and truth;
  • develop skills of critical analysis and evaluation and the promotion of understanding of people from different faith backgrounds and none.

At Dulwich Village C of E Infants' School RE is taught through discrete lessons for all three year groups. The curriculum consists of two strands: Learning about Religion and Learning from Religion

Each half term a different aspect of R.E. is covered in each year group and we use the Southwark Diocese Board of Education's schemes of work, alongside resources from 'Understanding Christianity', to develop the children's learning. Where possible we link these themes to other learning in the curriculum for example, in Reception, the Creation theme "Who cares for this wonderful world and why?" is linked to the topic "What Lives in my World?". R.E. is taught through the use of role play, reflection, art and music as well as creative writing and discussion, alongside visitors and trips to places to worship.

Our RE Topics

The RE topics covered every half term are as follows:

Reception

  • Autumn 1 - Who Made The Wonderful World?
  • Autumn 2 - Why Is Christmas Special For Christians?
  • Spring 1 - Why Do Christians Believe Jesus is Special?
  • Spring 2 - What is so special about Easter?
  • Summer 1 - Who Cares For This Special world and Why?
  • Summer 2 - How Did Jesus Rescue People?

Year One

  • Autumn 1 - Why Do Christians Make and Keep Promises Before God?

  • Autumn 2 - Why Does Christmas Matter to Christians?

  • Spring 1 - What Is It Like To Live As A Jew?

  • Spring 2 - Why Does Easter Matter to Christians?

  • Summer 1 - What Responsibility Has God Given People For Taking Care Of Creation?
  • Summer 2 - What Does It Mean To Be A Muslim?

Year Two

  • Autumn 1 - Why Are They Having A Jewish Party?
  • Autumn 2 - a) What is the story of Noah really about? b) Where is the Light of Christmas?
  • Spring 1 - Why did Jesus teach the Lord’s prayer as the way to pray?
  • Spring 2 - a) Who is the Saint of Our School? b) How Do Easter Symbols Help Us To Understand The True Meaning Of Easter?
  • Summer 1 - How and Why do Muslims Uphold Their Faith by Giving Commitment to Allah?
  • Summer 2 - What values do Christians take on their journey of life?

Spiritual Development

At DVIS we believe all children are innately spiritual and that throughout their lifetime they become more and more aware of their spirituality. We are deeply committed to enhancing children’s understanding of who they are, what their place is in the world and how this impacts them, their friends, family and their lives.

Spiritual Development Policy
Worship Songs