Gold standard RE at Curwen
Curwen receives second Religious Education Quality Mark Gold Award.
Claire Clinton, Newham RE Advisor said: “I am so proud of all the chi ldren, staff, parents and community faith
leaders who, working together, have ensured such high quality provision of RE at Curwen consistently over the years. When Curwen were awarded the gold mark five years ago I thought it was brilliant, I am even more delighted with this news now.”
RE is a major scaffold in Curwen, where there is a belief that pupil development is supported by linking
RE to the world around them. Pupils are able to embrace and celebrate diversity of religions and cultures and
are supported, developed and moulded into effective citizens in class and beyond through Collective Worship,
Citizenship, Spiritual Moral Social and Cultural, Philosophy for Children and cross curricular links.
Reception pupils at Curwen built a model-church with stained glass windows, after visiting West Ham
Parish Church in Stratford. The church was used as a prop for their Nativity assembly and now welcomes visitors in the main reception of the school.
Meanwhile, Year 5 has had the opportunity to travel to Spain and to visit a range of churches. Curwen RE leader, Miss McLeod says: “The wider community at Curwen adds significant value to our work with RE. We proactively draw on and celebrate the vast experiences and lives of pupils, parents and staff. Our children enjoy sharing what they have learnt through various assemblies delivered to the wider community. All of these aspects combined make being the RE leader here lots of work but very rewarding.”
The RE Quality Mark has two purposes: it recognises good practice in RE and also provides a powerful tool for development by providing new ideas and confidence. This is the second time that Curwen has been recognised
with this national quality mark for RE provision in schools, having earned the Gold Mark five years prior.