Religious Education

We follow "Discovery RE" at Victoria Park Primary School, which meets the requirements of the North Somerset agreed syllabus and is aligned to the non- statutory guidance in the National Curriculum.

Each year group teaches one whole day of RE each term (or equivalent). During those days, the children are able to immerse themselves in a variety of activities, exploring the faith, belief and culture of all religions and beliefs.

Visits to beautiful places of worship, meeting people and leaders of different faiths, tasting and sharing food from other cultures and listening to music, stories and beliefs from different religions, help our children have a deeper knowledge and understanding of the world in which we live. Our aim is to celebrate and respect diversity and encourage children to respect all faiths and beliefs whilst enjoying learning about themselves.

Parents and carers have the right to withdraw their child from RE and collective worship sessions should they wish to and this can be discussed with the Headteacher.

SMSC – (Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development)

At Victoria Park, we develop each child’s SMSC through our teaching of RE, P4C, Jigsaw (PSHE) and our school values (Respect, Curiosity, Kindness and Determination). Every child is encouraged to join in discussions, offer their opinions and listen to the viewpoint of others.

• Spiritual – Explore beliefs and experience; respect faiths, feelings and values; enjoy learning about oneself, others and the surrounding world; use imagination and creativity; reflect
• Moral – Recognise right and wrong; respect the law; understand consequences; investigate moral and ethical issues; offer reasoned views.
• Social – Use a range of social skills; participate in the local community; appreciate diverse viewpoints; participate, volunteer and cooperate; resolve conflict: engage with the British Values of democracy, the rule of law, liberty, respect and tolerance.
• Cultural – Appreciate cultural influences; appreciate the role of Britain’s Parliamentary system; participate in culture opportunities; understand, accept, respect and celebrate diversity.

Assemblies

Throughout all of the assemblies at Victoria Park, we emphasise our school values and the importance of being kind, caring and happy.

• Monday – Whole School Assembly - The whole school is introduced to the Jigsaw weekly focus. Children will learn the links for the week to Jigsaw and the school values.  They will reflect on the focus for the week which is delivered and explored through story and discussion.
• Tuesday – Phase Assembly - Year groups split into their phases for separate assemblies which continue to reflection from Monday.
• Wednesday and Thursday – Class Assembly - classes meet in a "circle time" to discuss the value of the week as well as other issues of the day.
• Friday – Whole School Celebration Assembly – a chance to celebrate all things wonderful that the children have achieved at Victoria Park, including a weekly certificate linked to the Jigsaw aim for the week.