1. Copyright Lat Blaylock RE Today 2014 / Sheffield SACRE
Enquiring Minds and Open Hearts A new RE syllabus for Sheffield, This presentation is provided by Sheffield SACRE for all who introduce the new syllabus, for example in a staff meeting as RE subject leader, to governors or to parents.
Copyright Lat Blaylock RE Today 2014 / Sheffield SACRE

2. A new RE syllabus for Sheffield
A 5 year review is the legal requirement. Time’s up for the old syllabus
The new syllabus is a shared endeavour between all our schools and teachers, the local authority, the Church of England and the many faith communities in Sheffield. That’s who has ‘agreed’ it.
The syllabus review has used the new National Curriculum structures and the REC’s Review (Oct 13) to make an up to date RE curriculum for Sheffield.
The work changes aims in RE to raise standards by refreshing teaching and learning, and supporting teachers more (RE’s not easy!)
Many schools see the need to make their RE more creative, engaging, questioning and (frankly) exciting. Dull RE is no use to anyone.
The new syllabus gives clear requirements, exemplary guidance and support and a fresh vision for what RE offers to all pupils.

3. Copyright Lat Blaylock RE Today 2014 / Sheffield SACRE

4. C: Gain and deploy the skills needed to study religions and worldviews
A: Know about and understand religions and worldviews
B: Express + communicate ideas and insights of their own thoughtfully
The aim of RE
The aim of RE has three connected elements, so that pupils learn to be reasonable about religion, to express their own insights thoughtfully and creatively and to develop skills, for example to disagree respectfully.
The next slide elaborates the aim in detail.
Copyright Lat Blaylock RE Today 2014 / Sheffield SACRE

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6. Copyright Lat Blaylock RE Today 2014 / Sheffield SACRE
Why do we have to do RE?
A statutory subject for every pupil
An entitlement to learn from the rich religious diversity of the city, the UK and the world
A chance to explore questions of identity, meaning and commitment for each child
A focus on respect for all, and developing tolerance and empathy
All teachers can deliver RE in the primary school
Copyright Lat Blaylock RE Today 2014 / Sheffield SACRE

7. Copyright Lat Blaylock RE Today 2014 / Sheffield SACRE
Where is God?
The next 6 slides show progression in RE as children and young people explore ideas about the question ‘Where is God?’
They demonstrate what the new syllabus looks for: discovery, investigation, creativity and deep thinking in relation to the key questions of religion and worldviews.
Consider: how can these kinds of learning and achievement be more effectively built in to RE in every Sheffield school?
Copyright Lat Blaylock RE Today 2014 / Sheffield SACRE

8. Copyright Lat Blaylock RE Today 2014 / Sheffield SACRE
Ethan is 6
In his picture, he shows his idea about searching for God: “Up in heaven there is God. All of these are planets and God made them. I am jumping up to give God a flower from the hill. God looks just like me.”
Copyright Lat Blaylock RE Today 2014 / Sheffield SACRE

9. Copyright Lat Blaylock RE Today 2014 / Sheffield SACRE
7 year old Shahzad says:
“I think God / Allah is everywhere, but I drew this Mosque. We don’ tdraw God, but this is where we go to feel close to God.”
Copyright Lat Blaylock RE Today 2014 / Sheffield SACRE

10. Copyright Lat Blaylock RE Today 2014 / Sheffield SACRE
Up in the Sky
By Eliot, Age 8
“My picture is about where I think God is. The balloons and kites are messages to God - like his mail, instead of a postman. This picture shows me where God is: not far away.”
Copyright Lat Blaylock RE Today 2014 / Sheffield SACRE

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“My model is called ‘All you need is love’. Some people don’t believe in god, but they do believe in love. I am one of these people.” Yolande, 9
Copyright Lat Blaylock RE Today 2014 / Sheffield SACRE

12. Copyright Lat Blaylock RE Today 2014 / Sheffield SACRE
Where is God? Understanding Love
By Lloyd, Age 11
“My work is about God being everywhere and loving everyone. People think God is not around us.
I think they are wrong. If God wasn't part of everyone how would we understand what love is and what it means? I wanted to show this by showing God's hand reaching out to everyone's 'heart'.”
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“We have not answered the question ‘where is God?’ But we have suggested how to go about answering the question. Seek and you will find. But watch out. If God was at the touch of a button, would you dare click it?”
Copyright Lat Blaylock RE Today 2014 / Sheffield SACRE

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By what criteria can you say which is the best?
Copyright Lat Blaylock RE Today 2014 / Sheffield SACRE

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What teachers ask of a new RE syllabus:
Can it be easily understood what is required?
Are the changes required helpful and clear, not burdensome and incomprehensible?
Does this help all teachers to do their RE a bit better?
Is it practical? Ready to use or easy to plan from?
Is it local – e.g. can it enable us to do some LOTC?
Does it energise RE in the whole curriculum (links to SEAL / SRE / Citizenship, PSHE, expressive arts, literacy, humanities)?
Are there lots of ideas for teaching – does the syllabus provide planning tools and are they both excellent and flexible?
The new Sheffield RE syllabus tries to say YES to all these
Copyright Lat Blaylock RE Today 2014 / Sheffield SACRE

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Non-statutory support and guidance There are 11 exemplar units (a project to write further units is possible)
4-7s
Who celebrates what, and why? Christians and Muslims
What can we learn from stories of Jesus about praying and about helping people?
Beginning to learn from Muslims and Mosques: What is it like to be a Muslim in Sheffield?
7-11s
Beliefs and Symbols: Similar or different? (Christians, Muslims, Sikhs)
Enquiring into places of worship through visits
What can we learn from reflecting on Sikh, Muslim and Christian words of wisdom?
How and why do Muslims and Jews pray?
Why is Jesus an inspiring person to many people today?
11-14s
Does it make sense to believe in God? Exploring Christian ideas
Religion: is it a cause of conflict or a power for peace?
How can Sheffield become a more respectful city?
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Achievements are described in the new syllabus in these three pyramids, which reflect the aim.
The first, blue pyramid shows progression in knowledge and understanding
The red pyramid shows progression in expressing ideas, handling questions and developing insight
The green pyramid focuses on gaining and deploying the skills of RE, focused on discovery and enquiry
Copyright Lat Blaylock RE Today 2014 / Sheffield SACRE

18. RE in Sheffield, from this moment on
Thoughtful
Creative
Potentially profound
Personal
Plural
Widely connected
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19. Copyright Lat Blaylock RE Today 2014 / Sheffield SACRE
The new syllabus: well and truly launched
RE Syllabus
Copyright Lat Blaylock RE Today 2014 / Sheffield SACRE