Religious Education

The National Framework for Religious Education has been adhered to in the preparation of these schemes of work.

Foundation Stage
Key Stage 1
Key Stage 2
Key Stage 3
Key Stage 4

Foundation Stage: Children aged 3 - 5 years.

The contribution of RE to six identified early learning goals:

• Personal, social and emotional development
• Communication, language and literac
• Mathematical development
• Knowledge and understanding of the world
• Physical development
• Creative development

A visit to Chester Cathedral can contribute to these areas of learning: -

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Key Stage 1

During Key Stage 1 pupils study Christianity and at least one other principal religion. They learn about religion and from religion.

A visit to Chester Cathedral can help to fulfil these objectives in the following ways: -

Jesus Trail

The children can follow an adult around the Cathedral using our new Jesus trail. This takes you on a journey following the life of Jesus as depicted in windows, carvings, sculptures in the building.
The trail is clearly set out and there are suggestions of suitable questions to ask and background information.

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Key Stage 2

During Key Stage 2 pupils learn about Christianity and at least two other religions, recognising the impact of religion both locally and globally.
They consider the beliefs, teachings, practices and ways of life central to religion.
During this Key Stage the pupils should be taught the knowledge, skills and understanding through religions, themes, experiences and opportunities including the following that can be enhanced through visiting Chester Cathedral: -

• Christianity.
• worship and sacred places: where, how and why people worship.
• pilgrimage and the journey of life: why some places and occasions are sacred to believers.
• religion, family and community: how religious families and communities practice their faith, and the contributions this makes to local life.
• encountering religion through visitors or visits to places of worship, and focussing on the impact and reality of religion on the local and global community.
• exploring spiritual experience and feelings in a variety of ways.

 

A visit to Chester Cathedral can help to fulfil these objectives in the following ways: -

Christian Signs and Symbols

The children will be introduced to the building as a whole and will then look at various Christian symbols as they walk around.

Their visit includes:- The symbolism of the cross as seen in the cruciform shape of the whole church, the crucifixion scene on the Rood screen, the cruciform shape of the baby Jesus in the West window and the significance of the crosses on the altars. At the font, discussing the symbolism in a Baptism:- the water, cross and candle. The altar, God's table, the significance of bread and wine in the service of Holy Communion and, at the High Altar, the reasons for the reredos portraying the Last Supper. The significance of, and the symbolism attached to, the lectern, cathedra and misericords in the Quire The symbolism of the Bishop's crozier displayed in the North Quire Aisle. The votive candles: what they mean to the many people who light a candle as an aid to prayer. There is always time built into the visit for the children to be quiet, to reflect and to experience the ambience of the building.

The Cathedral as a Place of Worship

The children will be given a brief explanation of the historical background of the Cathedral in order to explain the significance of the buildings. They will be taken on a tour of the church, starting at the West end and culminating in the Lady Chapel. Their visit includes:- the font, where Christians begin their life in the faith the mosaics on the North wall of the Nave, telling the story of four of the Old Testament prophets the Nave altar the crossing and the entrance to the Quire through the Rood Screen the increasing ornamentation of the Quire and the misericords the lectern from where people hear the word of God read from the Bible the High Altar where Christians receive the sacrament at Holy Communion before the reredos of the Last Supper other services that are celebrated at the altars the Lady Chapel with the shrine of St Werburgh and its history of pilgrimage. The place of pilgrimage today and the significance of the votive candles The children will have the opportunity to say something silently to God if they wish to and will also be given time to be quiet and to reflect

 

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Key Stage 3

During Key Stage 3 pupils deepen their understanding of Christianity and other principal religions in a local, national and global context. They extend their understanding of important beliefs, concepts and issues of truth in religion. They enquire into and explain some personal, philosophical, theological and cultural reasons for similarities and differences in religious beliefs and values, both within and between religions. They develop their evaluative skills, showing reasoned and balanced viewpoints when considering religious and spiritual issues. The following themes, opportunities and experiences to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding can be enhanced through a visit to Chester Cathedral.

Christianity investigation and explanation of the differing effects of religious beliefs and teachings on individuals, communities and societies visiting a place of national religious significance expressing spirituality: how and why human self-understanding and experiences are expressed in a variety of forms

 

A visit to Chester Cathedral can help to fulfil these objectives in the following ways: -

A Visit to a place of worship

The pupils will be introduced to the building as a whole and will be given a brief history of the building before focussing on their chosen aspect of it as suggested by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority. What is this place of worship for? - Its key features and their significance What should we expect in this place of worship? - The behaviour expected from people who enter it, respect for their beliefs, appreciation of the stillness and silence The visit, including meeting someone from the Cathedral who can talk about the building and their role within it. Appreciate the particular, special atmosphere of the church What happens in a place of worship and why? - Experience the sound of devotional music, see worship taking place, develop a respectful understanding of what happens within the church What makes a place of worship special? The importance of the Cathedral to its worshipping community will be explained Where are we going? Rites of passage. Enable the pupils to understand how religious beliefs are expressed through ritual. Baptism, confirmation, Christian funeral

Christian Signs and Symbols

Similar in format to Key Stage 2 but the symbols are considered in greater depth and will also include: The seasons of the Church's Year and the colours associated with each season Symbols associated with pilgrimage The symbolism seen in the West Window An act of worship can conclude the visit if requested.

 

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Key Stage 4

R.E. is a statutory subject for all registered pupils except those withdrawn by their parents. Students analyse and interpret a wide range of religious, philosophical and ethical concepts in increasing depth in the context of learning about Christianity and other religious traditions They learn to reflect upon and interpret significant religious, spiritual and moral issues including the study of religious and spiritual experience.

A visit to Chester Cathedral gives opportunity to investigate, critically evaluate and understand religious and philosophical beliefs pertaining to Christianity. By arrangement they can meet a member of the clergy who will speak to their group, join in discussion and answer questions. There is an annual Conference for Sixth Form students in the autumn term which focusses on an important contemporary issue.