Birkenshaw CE (C) Primary School

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Religious Education and Spiritual Development at Birkenshaw CE (C) Primary School

Religious Education

At Birkenshaw C.E (C) Primary School, we believe that RE prepares our children for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life. We believe that the teaching of RE underpins our whole school ethos by prompting the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of our children.

Religious Education is taught throughout the school from Nursery to Year 6 using the Kirklees Agreed Syllabus ‘Believing and Belonging’ and the Understanding Christianity schemes of work which are recommended by the Diocese of Leeds.

Through their Religious Education our pupils are taught to understand the teachings of the Christian Faith, along with other world faiths, and understand how they impact on their own lives and those of the wider community.

Keep checking our school Facebook page to keep up to date with all the wonderful activities we are doing. 

PDF iconReligious Education Long Term Plan 2022-23

 

Spiritual Development

Definition of Spirituality

Spirituality is something we see or feel inside ourselves. It opens our hearts and minds to those questions which enable us to reach a deeper understanding of something bigger. A spiritual experience differs from person to person and will change over our lifetime.

‘Spiritual’ is not synonymous with ‘religious or faith’. All areas of the curriculum may contribute to pupils’ spiritual development. 

 Opportunities

We believe in giving every pupil the opportunity to develop socially, intellectually, physically, emotionally and spiritually in order that they may achieve their potential and flourish.

Opportunities to develop spirituality are provided across the curriculum. Many opportunities are planned for, however we also recognise that a spiritual experience often happens ‘within the moment’ and these opportunities are often unplanned.

Pupils are encouraged to: 

  • look alternatively and observe carefully, for example in Art and Science 
  • recognise moments of awe and wonder provided particularly in Geography, Science, RE, Art, Music and outdoor learning
  • balance awareness with the reality of life experience in discussion e.g. dealing with behavioural issues day to day, through PSHE etc 
  • take time to be silent and to reflect on issues in moments of quiet or while music is playing – Collective Worship, mindfulness activities
  • experience calm and tranquil moments which afford time for reflection e.g. during assemblies or following inquiry 
  • value what is good and worthwhile and make valuable judgements through discussion and exchange of views.  
  • work collaboratively with peers, valuing the contribution made by others when working as a team  
  • consider issues from the perspective of themselves, others, the world and beyond 
  • respect all, as modelled by staff, in their relationships with others 
  • have confidence to express their personal beliefs/opinions even if others do not agree  
  • develop their own beliefs (even if these are not linked to religion)
  • develop a love of learning through exploration 

Word iconSpiritual Development Long Term Plan 2019-2020