Religious Education

Religious Education at Tavistock Primary and Nursery School

 

Religious Education has an important place in our school. At Tavistock Primary and Nursery School we aim to motivate children to become enthused when learning about the faiths and beliefs of others. Through a broad and balanced curriculum, Tavistock Primary introduces children to the diverse make-up of the wider community. We believe that through the teaching of RE we enable our children to better understand the world around them.

RE is taught weekly in KS1 and KS2 through the Devon and Torbay Agreed Syllabus. Following this syllabus ensures continuity and progression of learning, providing children with the opportunity to explore the most widely practiced religions of the world before leaving our school at the end of Year 6.  Devon and Torbay Council state that this syllabus ‘…sets out detailed and extensive programmes that will enable pupils to gain a coherent understanding of religions and worldviews, preparing them for life in twenty-first century Britain’. In the Early Years children are introduced to different beliefs and cultures through carefully planned topics and engaging continuous provision activities.

As children progress from Early Years through to KS2, all religions and their communities are treated with the utmost respect and sensitivity. Our aim is to develop a respectful approach to learning where children feel able to engage in open enquiry with their peers to further develop their understanding. Pupils are provided with first-hand experiences through inviting faith speakers to visit our children at school, as well as, taking our pupils out of the classroom to visits places of worship. Furthermore, at Tavistock Primary and Nursery School we are delighted to have a strong link with the Tavistock Parish Church of St. Eustachius, where we join as a whole school community for celebrations such as Harvest Festival, Easter and our annual Christmas Service.