R.E.

Religious Education at St Mary’s

We believe that RE lessons should foster a sense of awe and wonder in the children, encouraging them to develop a concern for others and for the world in general, assisting them in their own search for meaning and purpose in life. We aim to equip pupils with a knowledge and understanding of Christianity and other faiths and world views. We want children and to develop greater sensitivity towards those of a different background to themselves. As children progress through St Mary’s, we provide them with experiences that allow them to have meaningful dialogue about spirituality. Effective dialogue engages children, stimulates and extends their thinking but also builds the brain itself. Dialogue is an important part of being an active and responsible citizen.  The law requires that a syllabus ‘must reflect the fact that the religious traditions in Great Britain are in the main Christian, while taking account of the teachings and practices of the other principal religions represented in Great Britain’. We work closely with R.E. advisors from Salisbury Diocesan Board of Education as well other specialist teachers to ensure that we meet the expectations of the ‘Locally Agreed Syllabus’ for Dorset and BCP.

Furthermore, as a Church of England Voluntary Controlled school we have a Christian religious character focusing on Christian morality and ethics, as well as worship. To support these aims we use the planning and teaching resource: Understanding Christianity for Christianity units and then Emmanuel Project for our world religion units. 

Throughout their time at Saint Mary's, children will explore Judaism, Islam, Sikh and Hindu faiths. The document below shows how children access this intended provision throughout their learning journey in the St Mary’s family.