Religious Education
Religious Education Statement of Intent
The principal aim of religious education within The Olympus Academy Trust is to engage learners in a systematic enquiry approach where they can develop an understanding and appreciation of the main religions and worldviews in the local, national and global community. Through our RE curriculum we aim to inspire, challenge and encourage learners, equipping them with the knowledge, skills and understanding to answer challenging questions about the purpose of life, issues of right and wrong and what it means to be human. Finally, we believe a high quality religious education promotes awareness and respect – enabling learners to combat prejudice, and preparing them for adult life, employment and life-long learning.
How does studying religious education help young people to achieve?
The curriculum for religious education aims to ensure that all pupils:
- Develop knowledge and understanding of the principal religions and world views represented in Great Britain;
- Develop understanding of the ways in which beliefs influence people in their behaviour, practices and in their communities
- Weigh up the value of wisdom from different sources, learn to develop and express their own insights, and to agree or disagree respectfully.
- Recognise the right of people to hold diverse beliefs and values and to develop positive attitudes of respect towards other people;
- Reflect on modern ethical issues form a range of views with the purpose of developing well thought through opinions and attitudes.
- Widen the world view of our catchment areas by developing community cohesion through the study of the place of our multicultural society in the local, national and wider global community.
All pupils also follow the Jigsaw Discovery RE Scheme of work, recommended by South Gloucestershire RE (Religious Education). Lessons in RE include the study of a variety of faiths, handling artefacts and visits to places of worship. Parents have the right to withdraw their child(ren) from RE. Requests should be made in writing to the Headteacher.