Anything is possible, we can all succeed

To inspire… to aspire

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Phillipians 12:13

Upton Curriculum for Religious Education

To Inspire … To Aspire

“We are thinking, feeling, art-making, knowledge-hungry, marvellous animals, who understand ourselves and our world through the act of learning…it is a way to love living right now.”

Matt Haig July 2018

RE is concerned with the spiritual dimension in life and the search for meaning and purpose. The content is concerned with the beliefs of major world religions and the effects of those beliefs on lifestyle and behaviour. At Upton upon Severn CofE Primary School we aim to:

• Provide all children with a broad knowledge of world religions
• Develop in children a capacity to understand the beliefs of themselves and others in order to enhance their own spiritual and moral growth
• Develop their understanding of the ways in which beliefs influence people in their behaviour, practices and outlook
• Encourage children to develop a positive attitude towards other who hold religious beliefs different from their own
• Nurture children on their individual spiritual journey, whilst recognising that the vast majority are not regular church goers

As a Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School we work in very close affiliation with the local Parish Church, St Peter and St Paul Upton-upon-Severn.  The Reverend Barry Unwin is our resident Vicar and he is married to Carol and they have seven children.

At Upton upon Severn, we take our church school status very seriously.  Our school vision, ‘Anything is possible, we can all succeed – I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’ is deeply and theologically rooted in Christianity and it inspires all that we do. The Church of England roots its vision and purpose for education in the biblical exhortation to "live life in all its fullness" (John 10:10) and acknowledges the breadth, depth and richness of an education designed to enable children to flourish in their potential as unique individuals made in the image of God. We nurture children on their individual spiritual journey and encourage them to develop a positive attitude towards others who hold religious beliefs different from their own, whilst recognising that the vast majority are not regular church goers.

Our R.E. curriculum is thought-provoking, engaging and diverse.  We provide each child with a broad knowledge of the religious traditions of Christians, Jews, Hindus and Muslims as well as an awareness of other faiths including Buddhists and non-religious worldviews including Humanists.  Children learn facts about religions and have time to reflect on their own opinions and to understand the beliefs of themselves and others in order to enhance their own spiritual and moral growth.  Lessons are interactive and make links across arts disciplines, including music, drama and art. We seek the pupils’ voice and involve our children in what helps their learning.

We use the Worcestershire Agreed Syllabus and Understanding Christianity to guide our teaching, ensuring a broad and engaging curriculum where classes start each half term with a big question to consider, such as ‘What is it like for someone to follow God?’

Our strong links with both parish and Baptist churches provide opportunities to come together to celebrate key events in the church year: harvest, Remembrance, Christmas, Mothering Sunday and Easter are all celebrated in church.