Our approach to teaching RE focuses on developing children’s subject knowledge, while at the same time supporting them to relate to their own experiences, reflecting on similarities and differences between themselves and other people. In addition to weekly RE lessons children will also have the opportunity to explore world religions and festivals through several “pause” days during the school year.

Children will know more, remember more and be able to do more- this will be apparent during pupil interviews, and when looking at their learning in books. We are respectful and inclusive of the religious beliefs and values of all the children within our school, as well as of those in our wider communities. We recognise the importance of allowing children to observe their own religious customs and cultural traditions. Through RE lessons, we are aiming to support children’s knowledge and understanding of different world religions and through this, to help children develop enquiring minds, form their own opinions and develop respect for other people’s views and values.

Parents should note, there is an entitlement to withdraw from RE lessons.  Any parents considering doing so should initially contact the office who will be able to pass details on to the current RE subject leader and class teachers.

At Ivy Lane School, we aim to promote the SMSC development of all children, enabling them to develop a deeper understanding of the wider world, develop an understanding and empathy of themselves and others and empowers children to take responsibility for their positive role in society where they value others. This is interwoven through our whole curriculum, school ethos and environment. Below are some examples of how Ivy Lane staff help children to learn and develop in the four areas.

At Ivy Lane, children reflect about their own beliefs, religious or otherwise, that inform their perspective on life and their interest in and respect for different people’s faiths, feelings and values. This often happens during our RE lessons and assemblies, when children are given time to reflect. They develop a sense of enjoyment and fascination in learning about themselves, others and the world around them. They also use imagination and creativity in their learning to reflect on their experiences- skills which are often developed in our Design and Technology lessons, as well as in Science.

We teach children to recognise right and wrong, respect the law, understand consequences of their behaviour and actions, and to show an interest in investigating and offering reasoned views about moral and ethical issues and ability to understand and appreciate the viewpoints of others on these issues. PSHE lessons allow children many opportunities for children to develop their moral thinking, however it is most likely this development occurs during other times such as when children are on the playground or when they are working with others in class on group projects.

We teach children to use a range of social skills, for example when working and socialising with other pupils in group tasks, including those from other backgrounds. They participate in the local community, attending different events or visiting local shops and museums. Ivy Lane children learn to appreciate diverse viewpoints, and to participate, volunteer and cooperate in different situations. They are taught to resolve conflict, often during play times or group tasks. During assemblies they engage with the 'British values' of democracy, the rule of law, liberty, respect and tolerance, enabling them to develop and demonstrate skills and attitudes that will allow them to participate fully in and contribute positively to life in modern Britain.

At Ivy Lane we appreciate cultural influences, whilst understanding, accepting, respecting and celebrating diversity. Through doing so, we enable children to participate in culture opportunities such as Diwali celebrations or celebrating the Chinese New Year. We also teach children about the role of Britain's parliamentary system, which is sometimes linked into assemblies when looking at current issues of the country we live in.