'I do believe that one way to bring cultures together, to develop trust between people and countries and religions, is through educational activities and joys (such as music, art and basketball) that people share worldwide, regardless of ethnic background or religious orientation.' - Steve Kerr

Intent:

As a Church of England school, the teaching of Religious Education at Bishop Hooper is central to our curriculum. The 1988 Education Act states that 'Religious Education has equal standing in relation to core subjects of the National Curriculum in that it is compulsory for all registered pupils'.

Through our Religious Education curriculum, we aim:

• to engage pupils in enquiring into and exploring questions arising from the study of religion, faith and belief, so as to promote their personal, spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.
• to provide our pupils with the knowledge and understanding of Christianity and other principal religious faiths, traditions and beliefs represented in Great Britain and the wider world.
• to develop our pupils' understanding of the ways in which beliefs influence people's behaviour, practices and outlook.
• to enable our pupils to develop a positive attitude towards people who hold religious beliefs different from their own.
• to enable our pupils to apply the insights of the principal religious faiths and traditions to their own search for identity and significance.
• to enable our pupils to become aware of their own beliefs and values and to have a positive attitude to the search for meaning and purpose in life.

Implementation:

Religious Education is a statutory subject of the curriculum for all pupils in each year group and 'should be provided for all registered pupils except those withdrawn at the request of their parents'. (s 71 SSFA 1998)

Parents have the right to request that their child be excused from all or part of the Religious Education provided at school.

The syllabus should 'reflect the fact that the religious traditions in Great Britain are in the main, Christian, while taking into account the teaching and practices of the other principal religions represented in Great Britain'. (s 375 (3) Education Act 1996)

We comply with the legal requirements for the teaching of Religious Education by following the Herefordshire Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education 2020-25 and Understanding Christianity - Text, Impact, Connections.

Religious Education is taught on a weekly basis in each year group but is also delivered through termly whole school RE days when the pupils mix year groups and take part in activities (sometimes with parents and carers invited in to take part) designed to further enrich their understanding of a religious tradition or festival.

Lessons are planned and delivered in a variety of ways so that all children can participate fully. Interactive, practical activities linked to the themes in the syllabus and other subjects where appropriate, encourage our pupils to discuss their ideas and extend their understanding of difficult concepts and challenging questions.

Pupils' progress in Religious Education is based on the expected outcomes outlined in the Agreed Syllabus and in Understanding Christianity, which have been developed in line with guidance produced nationally. These outcomes form the basis of our school assessment system which has 10 Key performance objectives for each year group. Pupils are assessed regularly and their progress is monitored against these objectives.

Progress in Religious Education is reported termly to parents.

Impact:

Religious Education at Bishop Hooper develops pupils'...

• knowledge and understanding of, and their ability to respond to, Christianity, other principal world religions, other religious traditions and world views;
• understanding and respect for different religions, beliefs, values and traditions (including ethical life choices), through exploring issues within and between faiths;
• understanding of the influence of faith and belief on individuals, societies, communities and cultures;
• skills of enquiry and response through the use of religious vocabulary, questioning and empathy;
• skills of reflection, expression, application , analysis and evaluation of beliefs, values and practices, and the communication of personal responses to these.

Religious Education at Bishop Hooper encourages pupils to:

• consider their own thoughts and opinions on the challenging questions of the meaning and purpose of life, beliefs about God, their own self and the nature of reality, issues of right and wrong and what it means to be human;
• understand the influence of religion on individuals, families, communities and cultures
• learn from different religions, beliefs, values and traditions while exploring questions of meaning and their own beliefs;
• learn about religious and ethical teaching, enabling them to make reasoned and informed responses to religious, moral and social issues;
• develop their sense of identity and belonging in the world, preparing them for life as citizens in a multi-cultural global society;
• develop respect for and sensitivity to others, in particular those whose faiths and beliefs are different from their own.

Religious Education at Bishop Hooper enhances pupils'...

• awareness and understanding of religions and beliefs, teachings, practices and forms of expression;
• ability to reflect on, consider, analyse, interpret and evaluate issues of truth, belief, faith and ethics and to communicate their responses.

Religious Education at Bishop Hooper offers:

• opportunities for all pupils for personal reflection and spiritual development;
• preparedness for life in a multi-cultural global society where they can exist in harmony with others and live life to the full.