Religious Studies
At Saxon Primary School we follow the Surrey Agreed Syllabus for Religious Studies 2017-2022. Through this curriculum children’s knowledge of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism and Buddhism is developed. We aim to develop children’s ability to make reasoned and informed judgements about religious issues, beliefs and practices. At all times, children are encouraged to show sensitivity and tolerance towards the beliefs of others.

SMSC at Saxon

At Saxon Primary School, spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) education is integral to children’s learning. Through SMSC, children are enabled to understand British Values which, alongside the inclusion of SMSC learning in our curriculum, enables the creation of a cohesive learning community. Children respond confidently to the opportunities within the curriculum, and are inspired as lifelong learners with many positive choices for their future.

Spiritual Learning
Children are confident to express their ideas and talk about their personal beliefs and values. They enjoy exploring others’ feelings, values and beliefs; and demonstrate respect and tolerance as they listen to others. Children have the opportunity to be creative and imaginative in their learning, and are given time to reflect on their personal experiences.

Moral Learning

Children have the opportunity to discuss the differences between right and wrong, and understand that their actions have consequences. Children demonstrate positive choices in their behaviour as a result of listening to others’ opinions and reasoning about their own views on a range of topics and situations.

Social Learning

Children enjoy working as part of a group, supporting each other in extending their learning, listening to others’ and sharing their own views and opinions. Children work and socialise with others in a range of learning settings, and are able to cooperate and solve conflicts with their peers.

Cultural Learning

Children enjoy investigating their own and others’ cultures. They develop their sense of self through reflection and exploring their own heritage, and are able to share and celebrate their differences with others

Collective Worship
By law, collective worship takes place every day. At the end of assemblies children have a brief opportunity to reflect on the teachings that have just been shared, as well as their own values and beliefs. Worship is “broadly Christian” but regularly draws on teachings from other religions. Parents have the right to withdraw their children from collective worship however we encourage parents who may be considering this to discuss it fully with our RE subject leader or a member of the Leadership team to see what else can be done to alleviate particular anxieties about this important aspect of provision. 

Further information about Collective Worship at Saxon Primary School is available at the bottom of the page.

Assemblies

In assemblies at Saxon Primary School, staff and visitors support children in the development of their spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) understanding. Assemblies also provide an opportunity for staff and children to come together to celebrate each other’s successes.

We welcome visitors from all religious communities, including faith leaders and parents from within our own school community, to share their experiences with us. If you are interested in supporting this important aspect of our provision, please contact the office at: info.saxon@lumenlearningtrust.co.uk

Throughout the year, each of the four areas of learning in SMSC is explored in our whole school and Key Stage assemblies. Children are often asked to reflect on what they have heard in assembly, in class as part of their R.E. and PSHE learning.