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At Berkswich CE, we believe that religious education (RE) plays an important role in defining the school’s distinctive Christian character. We believe that RE makes a unique contribution to the ethos of our school and is reflected in our motto, ‘Believe, Achieve and Care’. All members of Berkswich CE experience Christianity through the life of the school, as well as taught through the curriculum. The skills, values and attitudes developed in RE are at the heart of a cohesive community where the children are encouraged to have a positive sense of identity and belonging.

Year Five have been using their STEM skills to try to solve a problem linked to the impact of plastic waste around the world. We looked at photographs from Nepal showing a range of people (including children) picking through waste from ‘waste’ tip site on the outskirts of Kathmandu (the capital city of Nepal). The collectors often live in extreme poverty.  Throughout the Plastics challenge, we found out how Practical Action’s work in Nepal is supporting waste collectors. When sorting through our plastics, we learnt that different plastics have different symbols, which tells us the polymers that they are made from and whether they can be recycled.  

At recycling plants, plastics get sorted by the polymers as it gives the biggest financial return and increases the potential uses for this material after recycling. We discussed how the time items take to decompose will depend on the climate and other environmental conditions in a landfill site.  

To put this to the test, we planted some of these items under soil in the school grounds and we will observe their decomposition after a month.  

We reminded ourselves about the 3Rs Reduce, Reuse and Recycle and researched the difference between reuse and recycle. Once we had a good understanding of the problems caused by waste plastic, our own challenge began! We had to design and make a product that the Hamro Mahila women’s group in Nepal can make to increase their appeal to international markets. 

Year Two develop their understanding of the world while making prayer chains.

Year Three investigate art work that represented the Trinity. From this they are inspired to create their own stained glass windows.          

Exploring the outdoors, Year Four consider the preciousness of life and looking after creation. They look at diversity in the natural world and uniqueness in creation and think about how to demonstrate appreciation of this.

We enjoy welcoming visitors into school to help with our 'big questions'. Father Graham and Kevin Bales are regular visitors to our RE lessons.

Please use the links below to find out more about religious education at Berkswich CE:

Our curriculum intent and tailored planning