Religious Education aims to develop children's understanding of the 6 main religions of the world. Children in the Primary School learn about different religions and traditions, practices and beliefs. The programme promotes children's tolerance and mutual respect in the diverse society in which we live.

During the first half term the children were introduced to Hinduism and they were lucky enough to be invited to a local Hindu celebration Durga puja. They learned about some of the Hindu gods, observed some blessings and enjoyed a fabulous Indian meal.

As part of learning about Christianity in the second half term, the children enjoyed exploring the 'Travelling Crib' and learning about the Nativity story and they also visited a local church and took the opportunity to share their knowledge and ask questions.

As educators, we do not give opinions or share our own beliefs; we state facts in the same way as any other subject.

With the holidays just a few days away, we have some great ideas for last-minute presents for your children. These books come highly recommended and we know your children will love them.
The Snow Dragon: In Griselda Bone's gloomy orphanage, daydreaming is banned, skipping is forbidden and Christmas is well and truly cancelled. But for Phoebe and her sausage dog Herb, is it possible that, just when things seem at their bleakest, magic awaits in the swirling, snow-filled air?
Join a brave little mouse on a big Christmas adventure! This is the chapter book edition of Alex T. Smith's modern Christmas classic How Winston Delivered Christmas, with gorgeous black and white illustrations from the author throughout – the perfect festive gift for newly confident readers.
When George stumbles across Marley's Curiosity Shop, he finds a mysterious and magical snow globe.

This term we have continued to focus on and celebrate the importance of Reading within the Primary Section. The annual Book Fair took place in November; the children were thrilled to browse and choose their favourite books to buy.

Two evenings a week, secondary students have spent time hearing our Primary boarding students read.

We have recently celebrated the opening of our beautiful new Sky Library from which the Primary and Middle School students will benefit regularly. As well as class visits in which the children can snuggle up and become absorbed in another world, they will also be able to listen to a range of books, songs and poems using our audio station. A range of magazines, comics and children's newspapers are also available for the children to enjoy.

We have lots of exciting events planned to introduce the children to the library: a library scavenger hunt, DIY Bookmark Craft activity, creative writing workshops and storytelling sessions.

How we prioritise Reading in our Primary Classes

Each day we have Phonics lessons (set by ability) and guided reading sessions. We have regular reading comprehension activities and we track and screen the children with diagnostic testing and targeted interventions. We set reading homework every night and there are reading corners in every primary classroom.

Forest School is an important part of life for our younger children at La Garenne. Every week the children go out into the forest and the natural environment to learn, play, explore and take supported risks. They develop confidence, self-esteem and team work. Our aim is to help the children build a greater knowledge of and respect for nature and to feel more deeply connected to the natural world.

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