RE Implementation: How we teach and learn...
We teach RE for an hour a week in both KS1 and KS2, with a separate unit every short term. Every unit is based around a key question. The key question for the enquiry is such that it demands an answer that weighs up ‘evidence’ (subject knowledge) and reaches a conclusion based on this. This necessitates children using their subject knowledge and applying it to the enquiry question, rather than this knowledge being an end in itself. We focus on critical thinking skills, on personal reflection into the child’s own thoughts and feelings, on growing subject knowledge and on nurturing spiritual development.
The children start from their own experience to ensure understanding of the concept being studied then move into investigating that concept in depth from the point of view of the chosen religion. This continues over three lessons of investigation and discussion throughout Step 2, which embeds subject knowledge. These lessons not only support the children with embedding their RE knowledge, but also contribute to their oracy and critical thinking skills. Exposure to and analysis of religious texts can also enhance their reading, comprehension and inference skills. In Step 3, they complete an assessment activity to evaluate the question again in light of their new knowledge, and have further opportunities to embed their own reflections on the learning in Step 4.
What does RE teaching look like in KS2?
Oak Class discussing Hinduism with Daxa Mehta who was so impressed by their respectfulness, thoughtfulness subject-specific vocabulary and accurate knowledge...
Hinduism experience
