"RE is like an iceberg. As you unpack ideas, you come to understand deeper meaning." 

Implementation

RE is taught at Freegrounds every half-term in accordance with the legal requirements of the Agreed Syllabus for Hampshire, Living difference IV.  We follow the recommended time allocation of 45 hours of RE per year for Key Stage 2, with links made to other areas of the curriculum where appropriate. RE is taught as a discrete unit and is always concept driven, following an enquiry-based approach.  Teachers use a range of teaching styles and activities, which include exploring artefacts, group and class discussions, role-play, investigations and art.  At Freegrounds, we cover Christianity as well as the Buddhist tradition in Years 3 and 4 and Islam in Years 5 and 6. In addition, we have several overview studies across the four year groups which focus on a number of religions and traditions.

All children engage with the learning in RE lessons. Adaptations are made according to pupils' individual needs where appropriate e.g. a teacher might scribe for a child so that writing is not a barrier to their RE understanding. 

There will be at least 1 piece of RE work recorded in topic books each half-term.

Throughout lessons, teachers seize opportunities to develop pupils’ team work, resilience, independence, creativity, critical thinking and reflective learning behaviours. This might be through task design or through questioning within the lesson.

Link Policies:

• Collective Worship
• Equalities Policy
• Collective Worship Policy

Living Difference IV

Click to access Living Difference IV

Religious Education Photo Gallery

Explore some of our RE work and visits here:

Freegrounds Carol Concert

As a school, we are always keen to engage and work with the local community and, over the past two years, Kings Community Church have come into school on a number of occasions to lead some of our assemblies and support with aspects of our RE curriculum. On 15^th December 2022, we enjoyed our first Freegrounds Carol Concert. We sang songs together, listened to the school choir, heard readings from some of our Year 5 and 6 children and looked at some of the wonderful advent wreaths which children in lower school had created as part of their RE unit about Advent and waiting. This really was a great event, and we are pleased that so many children and families could join us.  

Parental right of withdrawal

In accordance with the Education Act 1996, School Standards and Framework Act 1998 and Education Act 2002, parents have the right to withdraw their children from the teaching of Religious Education, without influence from the school, although the school will ensure parents or carers are informed of this right and are aware of the educational objectives and content of the Religious Education syllabus. In this way, parents can make an informed decision. Where parents have requested that their child is withdrawn, their right must be respected, and where Religious Education is integrated in the curriculum, the school will discuss the arrangements with the parents or carers to explore how the child’s withdrawal can be best accommodated. In order to avoid misunderstandings, any parent wishing to withdraw their child may arrange a meeting with the Headteacher in order to discuss:

• The religious issues about which the parent would object to his/her child being taught.

• The practical implications of withdrawal e.g. supervision and alternative activities.

• The circumstances in which the school can reasonably accommodate parental wishes.

• Any advance notice required of such Religious Education.