Intent:

At Portfields Primary School, we believe RE plays a vital role in educating and enriching the lives of all our pupils. Our curriculum, based on the KAPOWs scheme adapted to the Milton Keynes locally agreed syllabus and aligned with the 2014 National Curriculum, fosters understanding, respect, and tolerance for diverse religious beliefs and worldviews. We go beyond mere knowledge acquisition, aiming to enlighten and inform without persuasion, encouraging pupils to develop critical thinking skills, ask questions, and reflect on their own values and experiences in a safe and inclusive environment.

Implementation:

Core Principles:

• Global Awareness: We engage pupils with challenging themes through the exploration of the six main world faiths, fostering understanding and appreciation for diverse religious perspectives.
• Open Inquiry: We encourage children to ask questions about the world, their own beliefs, and the beliefs of others, nurturing independent thinking and respect for diverse viewpoints.
• Ethical Reasoning: We empower pupils to critically evaluate different beliefs and values, developing sound ethical frameworks for themselves.
• Vocabulary Development: Talk Cards (See below) support children's comprehension and confident use of religious vocabulary, enhancing their communication and understanding.
• Spiral Learning: Regular "flashbacks" revisit past learning across lessons, units, years, and year groups, solidifying knowledge and building connections over time.

Curriculum Framework:

• KAPOWs Foundation: We utilize the KAPOWs curriculum, adapting it to the Milton Keynes locally agreed syllabus to ensure relevant local context and depth.
• Inclusive & Respectful: We foster a safe and inclusive learning environment where all pupils feel respected and valued, regardless of their personal beliefs or backgrounds.
• Cross-Curricular Links: We make connections with other subjects like History, Art, and Literature, enriching the learning experience and developing deeper understanding.
• Active Learning: We utilize varied teaching methods, including storytelling, role-playing, and debates, to engage pupils actively and promote deeper learning.

Assessment and Evaluation:

• Variety of Assessment Tools: We employ a diverse range of assessments, including observations, presentations, and reflective writing, to gauge individual progress and identify areas for development.
• Pupil Voice & Dialogue: We value feedback from pupils through discussions, questionnaires, and self-reflection activities, to inform curriculum improvement and ensure their experiences are considered.

Impact:

Through our engaging and thought-provoking RE curriculum, we strive to equip our pupils with:

• Knowledge and understanding of the six main world faiths and their diverse beliefs and practices.
• Respect and tolerance for different religious viewpoints and ways of life.
• Critical thinking skills to analyze and evaluate information and form their own informed beliefs.
• Confidence to ask questions and engage in respectful dialogue about sensitive topics.
• Ethical frameworks and values to guide their actions and contribute positively to society.

This intent and implementation statement outlines the guiding principles and practices that underpin our RE curriculum at Portfields Primary School. We are committed to fostering empathy, understanding, and respect for all, empowering our pupils to navigate a diverse world with open minds and open hearts.