“Tolerance is giving to every other human being every right that you claim for yourself.”

Robert Green Ingersoll

Religious Education 

At Bowness Primary School we understand the importance and value of religious education for all pupils. In RE we aim to explore what people believe and what difference this makes to how they live so that pupils can gain the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to handle questions raised by religion and belief, reflecting on their own ideas and ways of living.

Through the RE curriculum, we aim to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. Our approach is based upon the philosophy that children are free to make their own choices and decisions regarding religion and beliefs.

At Bowness Primary School, in conjunction with the aims of the National Curriculum, our RE key concepts and ideas are:

1. Children will develop knowledge and understanding of the religions and beliefs which form part of contemporary society and begin to compare these. 
2. Children will develop knowledge and understanding of Christianity, of other principal religions, religious traditions, lifestyles and worldviews that offer answers to questions. 
3. Children will improve their personal development, well-being and their understanding of community cohesion by communicating coherently and promoting mutual respect and tolerance in a diverse society. 
4. Children will deepen their understanding of significant events, festivals and cultural celebrations around the world. 
5. Provoking challenging questions about meanings and purpose in life, beliefs about gods, ultimate reality, understanding of right and wrong and what it is to be human. 

Characteristics of a Religious Scholar 

• An outstanding level of religious understanding and knowledge.
• A thorough engagement with a range of ultimate questions about the meaning and significance of existence.
• The ability to ask significant and highly reflective questions about religion and demonstrate an excellent understanding of issues related to the nature, truth and value of religion.
• A strong understanding of how the beliefs, values, practices and ways of life within any religion cohere together.
• Exceptional independence; the ability to think for themselves and take the initiative in, for example, asking questions, carrying out investigations, evaluating ideas and working constructively with others.
• Significant levels of originality, imagination or creativity, which are shown in their responses to their learning in RE.
• The ability to link the study of religion and belief to personal reflections on meaning and purpose.
• A wide knowledge and deep understanding across a wide range of religions and beliefs. 

Aspirations for the Future 

Pupils develop an understanding of how subjects and specific skills are linked to future jobs. 

Here are some of the jobs you could aspire to do in the future as a Religious Scholar:

• Vicar
• Chaplain
• Member of Parliament
• Journalist
• Advice Worker
• Charity fundraiser
• Youth worker