At Catchgate Primary School, Religious Education is taught using the agreed Durham syllabus (2020) .  RE helps to promote the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils, and prepares them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life.  Through RE pupils can develop skills e.g. discernment, critical thinking and reasoning.  RE gives opportunities for pupils to listen to others, hear and analyse conflicting viewpoints and develop empathy and respect.

In the Early Years Foundation Stage we aim to develop children's understanding of Religious Education through the strand of Understanding the World. It is through this that children are encouraged to use their imagination and curiosity to develop their appreciation of, and wonder at, the world in which they live. Exploring others views, cultures and beliefs supports children in developing their views and beliefs about themselves, their family and community. This is allows children to find links with similarities to their own lives and to broaden experiences by finding out about the lives of others. Children are encouraged to reflect on belief, culture and practice and explore faith through observing festivals and celebrations, sharing stories, visuals, toys and puppets, handling real artefacts, roleplay, books and discussion.  

In KS1 and KS2 teachers teach R.E as a discrete subject, yet plan for cross-curricular links where appropriate. Our children develop skills across three areas: Knowledge and Understanding of Religion, Critical Thinking and Personal Reflection. 

When possible we will enrich our Religious Education with visits or visitors.  This has included further exploring Islam with a virtual tour of a mosque, virtual question and answer sessions with members of Durham Islamic Society.  Judaism has been further explored with a virtual information session with United Hebrew Congregation Synagogue. 

Please note: Parents and carers have the right to withdraw their child from some or all Religious Education (RE) lessons if they wish to do so.

Below are some links for websites that can help to support children's learning at home. 

Please find some useful documents about the Teaching of Religious Education at Catchgate Primary School.