Howick Church of England Primary School

 Religious Education at Howick 

Intent

Through a reflective and progressive curriculum we aim to excite, promote enquiry and embed knowledge.  In RE we want our learners to be excited by their learning journey.  We want them to question and have awe and wonder; whilst being aware that we may not always have the answers in RE.   Our learners will build on their existing knowledge, making links and developing their understanding and knowledge. 

We endeavour to motivate our learners and equip them with the skills to be confident, independent and resilient.  

Children of different faiths should feel involved, happy and confident to contribute to all areas of RE and our teachers ensure that when teaching RE, the content and delivery is appropriate and relevant for all learners. Children are encouraged to share and celebrate their faith and beliefs and the environment for this is safe and welcoming.

Our Christian values underpin our efforts and achievements and we are inspired in our mission by our faith that  “I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Phillippians 4:13)

Curriculum

At Howick, we follow the Blackburn Diocese Questful R.E. scheme of work.  The curriculum content is a balance of the three essential disciplines of quality RE, Theology, Philosophy and Social Science. This means our pupils will look at concepts through a theological lens, exploring what people of faith believe. Alongside this they will explore questions and answers raised in relation to the lived reality and impact of religion and world views on peoples lives. They will also think like philosophers, and be equipped with the skills that will enable them to make sense of life’s experiences.

Through our this approach, our children will experience, explore and encounter a wide range of creative and challenging multi-sensory activities that will help them to discover the answers to fundamental questions such as these: –

• Who am I and what does it mean to be me?
• In what ways do/can I relate to others?
• How/where can I encounter God?
• How can I make a positive contribution to the world in which I live?
• What values, attitudes, beliefs and behaviour are important to me?
• What does it mean to have faith?
• Who/what influences and inspires me?

Year of prayer

Class 3 enjoyed doing pipe cleaner prayers based on our value of friendship.  We wrote a prayer and then linked up with a friend.

Christmas Around the World

As part of their unit, learning about Christmas traditions around the world, Class 4 have created these beautiful Brazilian inspired Prespios.

Class 3 - Judaism

Class 3 have been learning about the Jewish festival of Sukkot.  They used their new knowledge to go outside and make their own Sukkah.  They then explained to each other what happens inside a Sukkah during the festival and what it represents. 

Year 6 Leavers Worship

Thank you to Bishop Philip and members of the Education team for inviting us to join other schools for a special leavers worship.  The theme was Run the Race Set Before You and our children all enjoyed reflecting on their journeys so far and their journeys ahead.

And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1

Victory

In Class 4 the children have been exploring Jesus' victory over death.

They used the work of famous artists to inspire their own art work. 

Daniel

As part of our Daniel topic, Class 4 have created these letters which will be sent to the Open Doors Charity,  They have learnt about persecuted Christians, looking at the similarities between their lives and that of Daniels.

The children have used extracts from the Bible, along with our theologically based vision statement to send hope to these people. 

Class 4 have also studied art work which has been created to show the events of Daniel 3.  They have used this to inspire their own art work.

Experiencing prayer

Class 3 have been looking at different ways that people can pray and have set up several stations in their classroom to experience each one.  The stations included; a quiet meditation area, planting a poppy to remember someone who has impacted their life, a bottle of tears to share their worries or sadness with God, an area to draw their prayers and finally a prayer wall.  The prayer wall, which is based on the wailing wall in Jerusalem, was a firm favourite and is becoming a permanent feature in their room.

Visit to St Mary's Church

Class 2 have visited St Mary's Church in Penwortham to find out about all the special things inside and Rev. Nelson also told the children about the history of our local church.  Before going back to school, the children wrote prayers linked to our value for this half-term, Thankfulness, and left them in Church for people to read.

El-Salvador Crosses

To celebrate Easter in Class 2, the children have made their own El-Salvador Crosses containing pictures that remind them of Easter time.  They also looked at the story of Palm Sunday and decorated an Easter biscuit.  Happy Easter everyone!

Class 4 have been reflecting on the events of Holy Week.   

'Crosses of Hope'

'A Crown for a King'

'Celebrating Jesus'

Class 1 have begun learning about the Easter story and why this is an important time for Christians.