Religious Education

In Donaghadee Primary School, Christianity is the main religion of the children in the school and this is reflected in our RE programme. However, we recognise that there are children from other faiths and cultures represented in our school and we seek to make RE as inclusive as possible. In light of this, teachers are encouraged to adopt the following principles:

to exercise sensitivity and understanding in the way RE is presented;
to encourage pupils to be sensitive to the feelings and opinions of their peers;
to foster an atmosphere of mutual respect.

Approaches to the teaching of Religious Education

Within RE we promote the principles and practices of the NI Curriculum

In light of this:

Our teachers begin to develop a variety of teaching approaches to cater for the different learning styles of the children and to provide a wider range of learning experiences.
Classroom management plays an important role in personal and social development. Children have the opportunity for individual, pair, group and whole class work within RE.

Religious Education in Foundation and Key Stage 1 is taught by the class teachers. Religious Education in Key Stage 2 is mostly taught by Key Stage 1 teachers in afternoon classes.

Cross-curricular links

RE can also be included in topic work throughout the primary school and has links to many of the Areas of Learning. In Foundation, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 we aim to link RE with topics the children are currently studying in PDMU and The World Around Us.
RE has much to offer in terms of Communication, using Maths and using ICT and these can be used to enhance the teaching of RE.

Withdrawal from RE

Parents have the right to withdraw their children from religious education classes or collective worship, after notifying the principal” (1986 Principal Order Article 21/5). A formal letter of consent from the parents should be addressed to the principal.

Links with Charitable Organisations

Pupils are encouraged to put into practice care for one another by participating regularly in fundraising activities. This encourages pupils to be aware of needs in the wider community and global issues.

Assembly

Religious Education is also linked to the way in which the school organises its Collective Worship. While it is seen as being distinct from Religious Education, there are certain areas where it supplements the teaching of RE. For example:

during the variety of forms of collective worship there will be time given for the members of the school community to reflect
there will be opportunities for spiritual development
a particular Religious Education theme may be developed
representatives from local churches, organisations, charities etc will be scheduled on a rota basis
class teachers may use their year-group theme as the focus of their assembly
morals and character traits will be developed through PDMU.