PRIMARY EDUCATION

Religious education, Arts and design and Music Education

Religious education, Arts and design and Music Education

Introduction

In England education is compulsory from the age of five to the age of 16. Children must start compulsory primary education the term after they reach the age of five years. Until this time, children may be educated in early years settings, such as nursery schools or nursery classes in primary schools. Early years education, which is not compulsory and lasts from the age of three until the time compulsory primary education begins, is known as the foundation stage. All parents of four-year-old children who would like their child to be in some form of foundation stage provision must be provided with a free (that is, government-funded) place, which is at least part-time. Although compulsory primary education does not begin until the term after a child reaches the age of five, many primary schools admit children at the age of four. These children enter what are known as reception classes, which are part of the foundation stage. There is a specific foundation stage curriculum with identified 'early learning goals'. 

Religious education in Primary School

Religious education (RE) actively promotes the values of truth, justice, respect for all and care of the environment. It places specific emphasis on children valuing themselves and others, the role of family and the community in religious belief and activity, the celebration of diversity in society through understanding similarities and differences, and human stewardship of the earth. Religious education also recognises the changing nature of society, including changes in religious practice and expression and the influence of religion in the local, national and global community. (Field 2006)

RE develops primary age children's(5-11 years old) knowledge and understanding of Christianity, other religions, other religious traditions and other belief systems. Religious education encourages children to learn from different religious beliefs, values and traditions whilst exploring their own beliefs and questions of meaning. It helps children to develop personally and socially and to make reasoned and informed judgements on religious, moral and social issues, preparing them for life in a plural society. It has a leading role in contributing to children's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. RE enables children to develop values and attitudes that support our school aims. In particular children work both independently, encouraging them to be independent learners, and with others, listening to others' ideas and treating these with respect. They take pride in, and celebrate their achievements and the achievements of others by reviewing their work, experiences and knowledge, and recognising the progress made in reaching that result. The subject enables children to develop a respect for each other, to develop their own cultural awareness and understanding, and appreciate the value of differences and similarities. They develop an understanding that all people are equal regardless of age, race, gender or ability. (Harvard Project Zero 2001)

Primary age children can be given a stronger sense of their own identity and their place in the world around them if they learn about religious and ethical teaching. For newly arrived children this is not just at a personal level but also in understanding how the wider community ...