RE at Ingatestone and Fryerning C of E Junior School

Effective mastery in RE encourages all pupils to think deeply about their own personal values and beliefs, as well as those of others.

Greater time is spent exploring key ideas, themes and beliefs. Topics are revisited to build on previous knowledge, enforcing increased understanding.

Pupils are encouraged to compare and contrast customs and beliefs from one religion to another.

The use of high-quality resources such as artefacts, texts and pictures is used to stimulate curiosity and deep-thinking ideas.

Teachers will start topics by finding out what pupils know already and what questions they have about a subject.

Planning will include short starters which recap on previous learning, encourage recall of facts and pose thought-provoking questions.

Children are encouraged to ask their own deep-thinking questions and are given time to contribute to peer discussions and debates. Higher order questioning during lessons ensures that pupils can deepen their understanding of different cultures and faiths. This allows them to empathise with other traditions and ensures that pupils can reflect on spiritual and ethical issues.

Marking will include a reflective question to encourage the pupil to think even more deeply. 

Displays will include key vocabulary and open-ended questions to promote thinking.