Area of Diversity

Children in Leicester are incredibly lucky to live in such a religiously diverse city with amazing opportunities on their doorsteps, and those at IJS are no different! Our close proximity to Narborough Road especially highlights this; yet our findings show that these children know little more about religion than what happens within their own homes.

 

With this in mind, our Religious Education (RE) curriculum intends to immerse children in to a world of different beliefs and religions, helping them to grow into respectful and open-minded individuals who are secure in their own beliefs but also tolerant and understanding to those around them.

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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