Religious Education

The Religious Education and Worldview curriculum at St James Church of England Primary and Nursery school is an important part of our curriculum designed so that children are able to gain an understanding about a variety of beliefs.

The children are taught about a range of beliefs and are encouraged to think deeply, reflect and discuss and question their understanding of beliefs and values. The idea behind this learning is for the children to get a deep understanding of some of the beliefs and traditions which are followed, not only within Britain but worldwide and can develop an understanding of how beliefs and traditions may vary depending on cultures enabling them to live in a multi-cultural society with a good understanding of beliefs and to also empower them to show respect to the range of beliefs.

The curriculum we follow is the Devon Agreed Syllabus and this is supported by the resources from NATRE. The national curriculum for Religious Education aims to ensure that all pupils:

• develop knowledge and understanding of Christianity and other principal religious traditions represented in Great Britain;
• develop understanding of the ways in which beliefs influence people in their behaviour, practices and in their communities;
• reflect on, deepen and clarify their own experiences, values and beliefs and those of others;
• develop awareness of fundamental questions about life arising from human experience and how religious beliefs and practices can relate to them;
• recognise the right of people to hold diverse beliefs and values and to develop positive attitudes of respect towards other people;
• benefit from opportunities to enhance their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

At St James, RE is taught as an engaging, inclusive and enquiry-led subject, open to all and at the centre of the school curriculum. We would hope that all parents would understand the value of this for all children. However, parents do have a right by law to withdraw their children from Religious Education and Worldviews lessons. In this event, we will undertake responsibility for their supervision with regard to health and safety. The school follows the guidance offered by the Diocese of Exeter and we always encourage parents to discuss the curriculum with staff before making a final decision. Requests for full or partial withdrawal need to be made to the principal in writing.

Collective Worship and the Law

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As a Church of England school we consider it important that all pupils have a sound understanding of the Christian faith and belief, and pupils take part in a daily act of collective Christian Worship. 

In accordance with legal requirements (Schools Standards and Framework Act 1998), an act of collective worship, taking into account of the age, aptitude and background of the pupils is provided daily for all pupils, except those who are withdrawn by parents.  The school expects that withdrawal will only be made following discussions with the Principal, followed by written confirmation of withdrawal.  Special arrangements will be made to supervise children withdrawn from acts of worship.  In addition, staff have the right to withdraw from the act of collective worship.

"The arrangements for the required collective worship may, in respect of each school day, provide a single act of worship for all pupils or for separate acts of worship for pupils in different age groups or in different school groups."

The School Standards and Framework Act 1998

At St James, RE is taught as an engaging, inclusive and enquiry-led subject, open to all and at the centre of the school curriculum. We would hope that all parents would understand the value of this for all children. However, parents do have a right by law to withdraw their children from Religious Education and Worldviews lessons. In this event, we will undertake responsibility for their supervision with regard to health and safety. The school follows the guidance offered by the Diocese of Exeter and we always encourage parents to discuss the curriculum with staff before making a final decision. Requests for full or partial withdrawal need to be made to the principal in writing. 

Collective Worship (Flourish) and the Law In accordance with legal requirements (School Standards and Framework Act 1998) an act of collective worship, taking into account of the age, aptitude and background of the pupils, is provided daily for all pupils. Collective worship is a space for both children and staff to reflect and deepen their understanding of spirituality, except those withdrawn by parents. The school expects that withdrawal will be only made following discussions with the Principal followed by written confirmation of withdrawal. Special arrangements will be made to supervise children withdrawn from acts of worship. In addition, staff have the right to withdraw from the act of collective worship. “The arrangements for the required collective worship may, in respect of each school day, provide for a single act of worship for all pupils or for separate acts of worship for pupils in different age groups or in different school groups.

Our School Prayer

"This is our school,

Let peace live here.

Let the rooms be full of happiness.

Let love be all around.

Bless St James School.

Amen."

Examples of Grace before lunch

"We thank you Lord for giving,

This food we are receiving.

For fun, for friends, for family,

We thank you Lord, Amen."

(sung to the tune of The Addams Family)

"Thank you Lord for giving us food,

Thank you Lord for giving us food.

We are grateful, for our plateful.

Thank you Lord for giving us food."

(sung to the tune of Star Wars)