The New Curriculum 

At IJS, we are using the new Leicester City Council Religious Education Syllabus. This syllabus helps children learn about both religious and non-religious beliefs, exploring what makes them similar and what makes them different. It is based on a worldviews approach, which means children learn about what people believe and also how those beliefs shape their lives and experiences.

Throughout their time at school, children regularly focus on four key concepts:

• Belonging, Identity and Community – Who am I and where do I fit in?

• Beliefs, Influences and Values – What do I believe and why?

• Expression, Experience and the Sacred – How do people show what matters to them?

• Truth, Interpretation and Meaning – How do people make sense of the world?

Every lesson also includes a key question which encourages children to think deeply and explore ideas through simple theological, philosophical or sociological thinking. Lessons help children understand not only what people believe, but why they believe it and how it affects their lives.

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Our Focus

Here at IJS, we choose to focus on four religions – Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Islam, as well as the world view Humanism. Islam in the second highest religion in both Leicester and within IJS. Hinduism and Sikhism are the next most popular religions within Leicester and we have an increasing number of pupils attending our school with these beliefs. Within IJS and Leicester, we are also noticing a growing number of non-religious people, meaning the need for understanding, respect and tolerance of those with a belief is more important than ever!

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What We Do

Children at IJS enjoy RE lessons and like learning about people with different opinions to them, especially when they realise their classmates have these views! They like exploring the different artefacts, and looking for similarities and differences between the religions and their own opinions. Trips to different places of worship help to enhance the topics and allow children to embed the learning taught in lessons.

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Pupil Voice

Children at IJS love RE. Here are some of their thoughts: 

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“I enjoy learning about RE because we get to look at different artefacts and dress up in some different clothes!”

“My favourite RE trip was to the Mandir because I have never been inside such a beautiful building.”
 

“I just like leaning about different religions.”

“I loved the Holi festival where we learnt some Hindu dances and threw coloured paint powder. It was the best day ever!”

“I like that my friends can learn a bit more about my beliefs; like why I wear a hijab.”

 

 

Extra-Curricular Opportunities

• RE artefacts for every religion studied

• Close links with a local church

• “Open the Book” Bible performances

• Opportunities for visits to a variety of places of worship 

• Visitors and guest speakers. 

• Regular assemblies and performances based around different religious festivals and celebrations

• Dance festivals during Diwali and Holi

• RE Roadshow

• Links with other schools