| Religious And Moral Education Policy
Curriculum Area: Religious and Moral Education
Policy Leader :
Mr A Smith
We endorse the National Guidelines 5-14 Religious and Moral Education, the 5-14 Regional Statement 1998 and Standard and Quality in Secondary Schools: Religious and Moral Education 1995-2000 report. We acknowledge the Policy on Religious Education set out in circular 6/91 and are aware of the circular 1/2005.
LEARNING AND TEACHING STRATEGIES
In the Primary classes RME is integrated into the curriculum in a variety of ways : as part of an Environmental Studies theme, as an RME theme, as part of English language work, in responses to occurences or news stories. This strategy results in a more meaningful educational experience for children. In the Secondary department RME is taught mainly as a discrete subject area. There may be cross-curricular links with PSE and aspects of Environmental Studies.
RME themes have been adopted for all stages in the school. These are linked to the Attainment Targets in the 5-14 RME Guidelines.
Pupils, when appropriate, work in social and mixed ability groups. This is particularly suitable where, for example, pupils are carrying out tasks in groups or pairs. At other times pupils work on Attainment Targets from the same level, with differentiated and/or extended tasks, materials and/or outcomes meeting their needs. At times pupils work as a class, for example, when discussing a value or a belief, when viewing a video or television programme or when reporting on group activities.
When appropriate, individual visitors play a role in RME themes/topics. Our school chaplains also have an important and valuable role in Religious and Moral Education. The teacher will always be present when a visitor is addressing the class.
ASSESSMENT, RECORDING AND REPORTING
The nature of RME means that not all aspects can be assessed. See Appendix on Assessment and Recording.
REPORTING
In reports we comment on the progress of each pupil in meeting the attainment targets of the Guidelines.
Effort is reported on as in other curricular areas.
In addition we may comment on a pupils
- ability at, and enthusiasm for, communicating her/his beliefs ,attitudes or opinions
- attitude toward her/his work
- the standard of the written work.
RESOURCES
Primary Support Packs and Secondary 1 & 2 RME Programme, books videos, photocopiable resources, audio tapes, Cdi’s, posters, artefacts, computer programmes, music and teacher produced resources are used by teachers and pupils to make learning varied, successful and enjoyable. A catalogued list of resources is being prepared.
THE ROLE OF PARENTS AND GUARDIANS
Some parents and guardians may have anxieties that RME conflicts with their family beliefs or religious practices. Most anxieties are allayed when the educational rationale of RME is discussed.
A very small number of parents or guardians may wish to withdraw their daughter, son or ward from RME and Religious Observance, which they have a legal right to do. Pupils withdrawn will be supervised at all times. Withdrawal will not necessarily mean withdrawal from the classroom where religious education is taught.
Parents or guardians wishing to withdraw their daughter, son or ward from Religious Education should contact the Headteacher.
HOMEWORK
Homework in RME is given when appropriate. The setting of homework is in accordance with the school Homework Policy.
SPECIFIC ISSUES
We are sensitive to special needs which may occasionally arise as a result of personal experiences such as bereavement or sensitive family matters. Aspects of the RME curriculum may require sensitive handling or may even be temporarily inappropriate.
We also take account of the particular religious practices of some pupils and families.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
We ensure that all pupils, irrespective of belief, race culture, class gender and disability areprovided with an education which allows them to develop their potential.
EVALUATION AND REVIEW
This policy document is the result of collaboration and discussion amongst staff in our school.
It will be reviewed and updated regularly. The proposed date for the review is September 2006.
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