Religious Education at KWPS
Subject Leader: Mrs D Hankinson
What RE Looks Like at KWPS
EYFS
In the Early Years, RE is taught through stories, discussion and exploration as part of Understanding the World. Children begin to learn about different beliefs, celebrations and traditions, developing an awareness of similarities and differences between themselves and others. Learning supports personal, social and emotional development, communication and understanding of the world.
KS1 & KS2
RE is taught through structured weekly lessons using enquiry questions that encourage pupils to explore beliefs, values and worldviews. Lessons include discussion, debate, use of artefacts, visits and visitors, and opportunities for reflection and personal response.
Enrichment
Enrichment
Religious Education is enriched through a wide range of experiences that help children develop their understanding of different beliefs, cultures and worldviews.
These include:
- visits to local churches and places of worship
- visitors from different faith communities
- Harvest Festival
- Christmas and Easter celebrations
- reflection activities
- charity fundraising
- links with local clergy and faith leaders
- themed learning days
- opportunities for collective worship.
These experiences enable children to appreciate the diversity of modern Britain while developing respect, empathy and understanding for people of all faiths and beliefs.
Assemblies
Assemblies support RE through celebrations, reflection, collective worship and opportunities to explore key values and beliefs.
Cross-curricular links
RE is linked with:
- PSHE (values, relationships, moral development)
- English (discussion, debate, writing)
- History (religions in historical context)
- Art (symbolism and expression)
Inclusive practice:
All pupils access the RE curriculum. Learning is adapted through scaffolding, discussion, visual support and adult guidance. A respectful and inclusive environment ensures all pupils feel confident to share their views.
National Curriculum Aims for Religious Education
The National Curriculum states the legal requirement that:
Every state-funded school must offer a curriculum which is balanced and broadly based, and which:
- promotes the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils
- prepares pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life
All state schools must teach Religious Education to pupils at every Key Stage.
The non-statutory guidance for Religious Education suggests that RE should provide a positive context in which the diversity of cultures, beliefs and values can be explored through global, national and local communities.
Religious Education should:
- provoke challenging questions about meaning, purpose and belief
- develop knowledge of Christianity and other principal religions
- encourage pupils to explore and reflect on their own beliefs
- foster respect for others and challenge prejudice
- support pupils in understanding their role in society
- promote empathy, compassion and responsibility
The Intent of our RE Curriculum
At Kirkham and Wesham Primary School, Religious Education plays an important role in developing children's understanding of faith, belief and the diverse world in which they live.
Through the Lancashire Agreed Syllabus, Searching for Meaning, our ambitious curriculum encourages children to ask thoughtful questions, explore different religions and worldviews, reflect upon their own beliefs and values, and develop respect for the beliefs of others.
The syllabus reflects that the religious traditions of Great Britain are mainly Christian, while also taking account of other principal religions, including Islam, Judaism, Sikhism, Buddhism and Hinduism, as well as non-religious worldviews.
Our Religious Education curriculum is not designed to promote a particular religion or belief. Instead, it provides a fair, balanced and inclusive approach that encourages curiosity, empathy, open-mindedness and mutual respect. Through exploring a range of beliefs and worldviews, children develop the knowledge, understanding and respect needed to become informed, compassionate and responsible citizens in modern Britain.
The Implementation of our RE Curriculum
Our Religious Education curriculum supports pupils' personal search for meaning as they explore what it means to be human. It follows the Lancashire Agreed Syllabus, Searching for Meaning, using the Field of Enquiry model to build knowledge, understanding and skills progressively from EYFS to Year 6.
Each unit is centred around an enquiry question, encouraging pupils to investigate key concepts such as belief, identity, morality, belonging and meaning. Through carefully sequenced learning, children develop their understanding by:
- enquiry and investigation
- discussion and debate
- reflection and personal response
- exploring artefacts and sacred texts
- learning from visits and visitors
- collaborative learning.
Pupils explore religious beliefs, practices and traditions, consider different viewpoints and sources of wisdom, and learn to express and justify their own ideas with confidence and respect. Subject-specific vocabulary is explicitly taught and revisited throughout the curriculum, enabling pupils to discuss religious and non-religious worldviews using accurate terminology.
Learning is adapted to ensure all pupils can access the curriculum and achieve success. Throughout the school, children study Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism, Buddhism and Hinduism, alongside non-religious worldviews. Religious Education makes a significant contribution to pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development and supports their understanding of life in modern Britain.
The Impact of our RE Curriculum
Through a rich and engaging RE curriculum, pupils develop respectful, balanced and informed views about different beliefs and worldviews.
By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils will:
- understand key beliefs and practices of major religions
- explore and reflect on their own beliefs and values
- show respect and tolerance for others
- engage in thoughtful discussion and debate
- develop an understanding of their role in a diverse society
Assessment evidence includes:
- floor books
- written work
- class discussions
- pupil interviews
- tracking data
Teachers assess pupils as working below, in line or above expectations. Data is recorded and monitored by the subject leader and senior leadership team. Parents are informed through meetings and end-of-year reports.
Our pupils leave KWPS with a secure understanding of Christianity and other principal religions and worldviews. They are able to discuss beliefs respectfully, appreciate diversity and demonstrate the empathy, curiosity and respect needed to flourish in modern Britain.
Assessment
Assessment is continuous and informs future teaching.
Teachers assess children's understanding through:
- pupil discussion
- observation
- written work
- floor books
- pupil interviews
- teacher assessment.
Pupils are assessed as working below, in line with or above age-related expectations. Assessment information is monitored by subject leaders and senior leaders and shared with parents through meetings and end-of-year reports.
What is taught in each year group
Our RE curriculum is carefully sequenced from EYFS to Year 6, ensuring progression in knowledge and skills over time.
Please see our RE Curriculum Overview below for full details of what is taught in each year group.
Progression of Skills
Children progressively develop knowledge and skills across:
- knowledge and understanding of religions and worldviews
- enquiry and investigation
- reflection and personal response
- discussion and debate
- respect and understanding
- use of religious vocabulary.
Each year builds upon prior learning, enabling pupils to become increasingly thoughtful, reflective and respectful learners.
Inclusion and Accessibility
Our RE curriculum is designed to be accessible to all pupils. We are committed to ensuring that every child can participate and succeed.
We meet our duties under the Equality Act 2010 and SEND regulations by:
- adapting teaching to meet individual needs
- using scaffolding and visual support
- providing targeted support
- maintaining high expectations for all learners
Learning reflects the diversity of modern Britain and promotes equality, inclusion and respect for all faiths, beliefs and worldviews.
Right to Withdraw
Parents have the right to withdraw their child from all or part of Religious Education. If you wish to discuss this, please contact the school.
Key Documents
Find Out More
If you would like more information about the RE curriculum, please contact:
Mrs D Hankinson – RE Subject Leader
Enquiries can be made via the school office