DMS Curriculum Intent, Implementation and Impact Overview 

Intent

At Dedworth Middle School we believe that it is very important that all our pupils learn from and about religion so that they can understand the world around them. As part of the curriculum our Religious Studies Education promotes the spiritual, moral, social, cultural, mental and physical development of all our pupils. Our curriculum is designed to encourage our pupils to enquire, debate and engage in respectful discussion within weekly lessons. We aspire to teaching and learning which is open and objective. Across the year groups we aim for pupils to develop their own thinking and understanding of the main religions in Great Britain whilst promoting tolerance towards others. We teach these lessons across the school with close links to PSHE study and other core subjects, as appropriate to age and level of understanding.

The aim of religious education in our school is to help pupils to acquire and develop knowledge and understanding of Christianity and the other principal religions represented in Great Britain. To this aim we reflect and focus on the religious traditions of Christianity whilst taking in to account the teaching practices of the other principal religions represented in Great Britain (Education Act 1996). We are respectful that some people hold nonreligious beliefs and may or may not have their own philosophical perspectives. At Dedworth Middle School we feel that it is important that the pupils know about and understand about a range of religious and world views. We want our pupils to develop a positive attitude towards other people, respect the right of others to hold beliefs different from their own and towards living in a multi-cultural society with people of diverse religions, beliefs, and atheism. We include and promote British values and raise awareness of children’s rights and responsibilities as UK citizens. We encourage our pupils to ask questions about the world and to reflect on their own beliefs, values and experiences. We develop social awareness and understanding which is also incorporated throughout our PSHE studies.

Implementation

At Dedworth Middle School we teach Religious Studies as agreed in The Syllabus for Religious Education Pan Berks 2018-2023, in line with the legal requirements of the Education Act 1996.  In accordance with the requirements and guidelines presented in the Agreed Syllabus and following religions have been selected for study:

• Christianity
• Islam
• Hinduism
• Judaism
• Sikhism
• Buddhism

We acknowledge that each religion studied can contribute to the education of all our pupils. There are no presumptions made as to the religious backgrounds and beliefs and values of the children and the staff at our school. We value the religious background of all members of the school community, treating everyone with respect and sensitivity and we hope this encourages individuals to share their own experiences with others freely. We are extremely fortunate to have excellent links with various faith groups representing the various religions with commitment to annual inter-faith events promoting community cohesion, tolerance and respect within our community. We promote teaching of Religious Education that positively encourages open and objective enquiry with first-hand experiences wherever possible from both staff and children. Through assemblies and in individual class study children of different faiths are encouraged to share their knowledge and experiences of their religions through presentations and showing different religious artefacts.  We have an excellent relationship with our local church who kindly provide services for the children to attend throughout the academic year in accordance with important events within the Christian calendar.

In a wider context we look at what it means to be human, the diversity within religions, questions of belonging and what enables different individuals and communities to live together respectfully and for the well-being of all in a caring environment.

Impact

At Dedworth Middle School pupils participate in weekly Religious Education lessons and are also involved in Religious Education theme days throughout the academic year. Pupils revisit core concepts giving them a deeper knowledge and understanding of the subject. This allows them to connect, reflect, evaluate and apply their learning to their own understanding of religion and the human experience. Children at our school learn about other religions and why people choose or choose not to follow a religion and through this religious education learning the pupils are better able to make links between their own lives and those of others in their community as well as in the wider world. Pupils develop an understanding of different cultures and ways of life. Religious Education is invaluable in this ever changing, multicultural and complex world

RE Yearly Overview