Intent
By using an enquiry-based model well, our pupils’ critical thinking skills can be developed, their motivation to learn increased, and their knowledge and understanding of, and empathy with people and their beliefs, religious or otherwise, will be enhanced. This approach takes very seriously the philosophy that children are free to make their own choices and decisions concerning religion and belief. RE does not try to persuade but rather to inform and develop the skills with which evaluation can take place.
Implementation
The Discovery RE programme that we are implementing follows a 4 step approach as the basis for implementation . Each unit is based around a key question. This key question will demand that the pupils weigh up evidence and reach a conclusion based on their findings. This enables the pupils to use their subject knowledge and apply it to the key question, rather than the knowledge being an end to itself. We focus on critical thinking skills and personal reflections to help develop subject knowledge and nurture spiritual development.
Impact
The impact is measured through the scrutiny and moderation of outcomes. Discussions are held with pupils, which is the clearest way to establish what they feel is the impact of their learning. Teachers’ views are considered to ensure there is a happy and confident team delivering the curriculum. Assessment is tracked to ensure that pupils are building on their skills and knowledge over time. This demonstrates progression and uniformity between parallel classes ensuring that in-school gaps or anomalies are dealt with. The children also have the opportunity to self-assess and to identify their own next steps, enhancing their own meta cognitive development and engagement in the subject.