Religious Education

Inspection report 2010
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Aim

“Indoctrination and conversion are not part of the educational process and therefore have no place in religious education. Religious education is an educational subject in its own right, taught within an educational framework.” (Diocesan Guidelines 2000)

The aim of Religious Education at The Prep is to enable pupils to understand the nature of religion, beliefs and practice, from which will come a tolerance and respect for other cultures and faiths. Our pupils learn from religions in addition to gaining knowledge and understanding about religions.

Approach

Pupils receive one Religious Education lesson each week but aspects of religious beliefs also form part of our regular assemblies.

During the course of their time with us, pupils grow to understand the key concepts, beliefs and practices of Christianity and five of the other major world faiths. This helps them to develop a tolerance and respect for others, to challenge the prejudices that can exist in our world and also provides opportunities for them to grow in their understanding of the value of living in a multicultural, multi-faith and multi-lingual society. In addition pupils are encouraged to develop open minds to new and different concepts, and to form their own opinions based on evidence and argument. As our children move through the school they are also encouraged to reflect upon their own needs and experiences and to confront what are sometimes referred to as ‘ultimate questions’. Moving outside the classroom, we aim to establish links, when appropriate, with local churches and other religious communities and their members. In conclusion, we believe that Religious Education should not indoctrinate pupils in any particular faith but that it should go beyond simply teaching about world religions. It sets out to help the children develop an understanding of what and how people worship, what creates feelings such as awe, wonder, reverence and humility and how religious faith affects people’s everyday lives.

What will my child study?

Year 3

Aspects of Christianity and Hinduism

Year 4

Aspects of Christianity and Buddhism

Year 5

Aspects of Christianity and Judaism

Year 6

An introduction to philosophical thinking, aspects of Islam and Sikhism, links between the major faiths studied

The Perse School Cambridge

Inspection report 2010

Look around our school

Applying for a place

Aim