Intent:

 At Joseph Hood we aim to teach children about a range of faiths, the beliefs and practices of members of those faiths, and how and why people worship in the way they do. We offer a broad curriculum that encourages respect, tolerance and understanding of all faiths. Our R.E curriculum gives children a strong understanding of diversity in Merton and the role that religion plays in our local community, making the curriculum purposeful and relevant. Through our curriculum, children are given the opportunity to engage with different religious beliefs about important issues and also to develop, enrich and express their own beliefs surrounding these. 

 Religious Education at Joseph Hood Primary School follows the Merton Agreed Syllabus for RE - ‘Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education’ (SACRE) and the Oak Academy RE scheme. The aim of this syllabus and scheme is to support all pupils’ developing awareness and understanding of the major world faiths and to address fundamental questions. 

 In RE children engage with challenging questions about meaning and purpose in life, and belief in God. They learn about the responses of different religions and have opportunities to develop and express their own responses to these questions. Children are encouraged to ask questions and explore answers and responses together. 

Early Years:

 The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) follows ‘Development Matters in the EYFS’ guidance which includes the ‘Understanding the World’ area of learning. This is comprised of three strands:

• Past and Present

•  People, Culture and Communities

•  The Natural World. 

 Children in the Early Years explore the concepts of religion and faith through their own experiences of festivals and celebrations. 

Impact:

•  Children have a stronger awareness of the world around them and show respect for the beliefs of others.
•  Children feel valued as individuals and know that their beliefs are valued and celebrated. 
•  Children feel safe to learn new things and share their beliefs with others in an accepting environment.
•  Children learn through a variety of experiences and from a range of sources. 
•  Children leave the school with a sense of belonging to a tightly knit community where they have the confidence and skills to make decisions, self-evaluate, make connections and become lifelong learners.
•  Children enjoy RE lessons, where confidence and inquisitive minds are developed.

Year 1 child: “RE is where you learn about special places, like the mosque and the synagogue.”

Year 4 child: “I like RE because you can learn about different religions and celebrations around the world.”

Places of Worship Visits:

 Each year group from Years 1-6 has the opportunity to visit at least one place of worship. These visits enable the children to embed their knowledge through a first hand, practical experience, as well as the chance to ask questions and learn directly from members of different faiths. Some of the places of worship visited include St Lawrence’s Church, the Buddhapadipa Temple and the Shree Ghanapathy Temple.