Religious Education
The Croft Preparatory School is designated as Christian by the Department for Children, Schools and Families, and RE plays an important part in the curriculum and in School life generally. Children are taught about a variety of World Faiths, and are also encouraged to consider religious principles in their day-to-day actions. The RE is motivational and involves learning about Religion as well as learning from it. We provide opportunities to explore a range of experiences, particularly those which raise issues of belief and value, meaning and purpose. We are careful to respect and value all children’s beliefs and opinions.
In Early Years children have their own Assembly, with the emphasis on developing their understanding that people have different needs, views, cultures and beliefs. Pre-Prep, children are taught about the Old Testament, the life of Jesus, the Parables and Miracles. The Muslim faith is presented in Assemblies and displays, and other major festivals from many other cultures are also celebrated at the appropriate times.
In Prep, children are taught about Christianity at each year group in more depth: for example, Joseph and Moses in Year 3, the Books of the Bible in Year 4, key aspects of the Christian year in Year 5, and moral and world issues in Year 6. Each year group also studies one other World Faith in detail. They are Judaism in Year 3, Hinduism in Year 4, Islam in Year 5 and Buddhism in Year 6.
Across the School, children are taught RE in specially designated timetabled lessons. The Teaching is whole class, with some group and individual work. Particular emphasis is based on discussion work during the later years in the School. Assemblies are also used for RE focus and teaching. We use a variety of resources to enable the children to gain maximum learning from RE lessons. These range from artefacts, text books, videos, visiting speakers, to the internet for research and information. All children are taught to have a sound knowledge of RE, and also to challenge their own ideas and opinions whilst always respecting and valuing those of others.
Grace is always spoken at lunchtime.