Religious Studies
At Saxon Primary School we follow the Surrey Agreed Syllabus for Religious Studies. 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 SMSC (spiritual, moral, social and cultural) education is integral to children’s learning. A cohesive learning community is created through the inclusion of SMSC learning in our curriculum. 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. 

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 and are privileged to receive the Reverend Tim Rose from St Mary Magdalene Church and Rachel and Andrew Morton from St Andrew’s Baptist Church as regular visitors to our schools.

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 and to record their responses, questions and comments which are collected in the school’s central SMSC learning box.