Religious Education
"To build safe, independent lives for autistic young people through support, understanding and enablement"
In order to lead a ‘safe independent life’ when leaving Springfields our learners with autism need to be given the opportunities for encountering people of different beliefs and lifestyles in order to develop the skills to become “skilled cultural navigators”; who at their own level of challenge are able to develop an understanding of the differences of faith and belief around them, as well as establish their own sense of identity and belonging.
At Springfields Academy, we value everyone as individuals and encourage a sense of self-respect and respect for others. We live in a diverse world, so our RE and SMSC curriculum is an acknowledgement of the fact that religious beliefs and practises play an important part in the lives of many people world-wide and have done so throughout history.
RE and SMSC celebrations provide our children with examples and opportunities to help them develop sensitivity, tolerance and empathy towards others.
We aim to:
- develop a knowledge and understanding of Christianity and its impact on our local community and on our society today
- develop a knowledge and understanding of some of the other principle religious traditions represented in Great Britain today
- develop a sense of respect for religious traditions, beliefs and practises
- support pupils to grow in their spiritual development
- develop skills and attitudes which will support pupils’ personal, moral, social and cultural development
- support pupils to begin to reflect upon their own needs and experiences
- develop positive attitudes of respect towards other people who hold views and beliefs different from their own, and towards living in a wider society of diverse religions and beliefs.
We strive to achieve this through inspiring, motivating and enthusing the pupils through a variety of meaningful SMSC opportunities. Throughout their RE and SMSC journey, our children will develop a wide knowledge base through exploring, appreciating and understanding the diverse world in which we live.
Implementation:
From Explorer 1 to 4, pupils will develop their RE and SMSC knowledge through a range of celebrations days. These days are split over 12 terms, and where possible, are linked to our enquiry-based Curriculum. They range from meaningful and relevant religious celebrations, cultural traditions and memorial days such as Remembrance day.
Our RE and SMSC calendar ensures that our pupils receive a diverse coverage, offering a breadth of opportunity as they move through the school. This enables them to develop, and deepen, their social, moral, spiritual and cultural knowledge, as well as supporting their ability to be reflective and to be safe and independent in the diverse society we live in today.
Themes:
Following a two-year cycle, pupils will develop and deepen their RE and SMSC knowledge through a range of fun, relevant and meaningful celebration days:
Each celebration is adapted to meet the needs of the pupils and will be fully immersive as well as cross-curricular where possible. Pupils will link ideas across the range of RE/SMSC opportunities, aiding knowledge retention and securing a better understanding of new concepts.
Impact of the Religious Education Curriculum:
Our aim is that all Springfields pupils will leave the academy with a sense of respect for themselves and for others, no matter what their beliefs and opinions. We aim to foster positive attitudes in our pupils so that they can make a positive contribution to the wider society in which we live today, so that they be safe and independent.
