Religious Education

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
RE is enriched through visits to places of worship, visitors from different faiths, themed days and celebrations, allowing pupils to experience religion and belief in real-life contexts.

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 KWPS, our curriculum is taught in accordance with the Lancashire Agreed Syllabus “Searching for Meaning”. Through this ambitious curriculum we aim to engage, motivate and inspire pupils to explore, develop and reflect on their own beliefs, values and attitudes through an exploration of shared human experiences.

The syllabus reflects that religious traditions in Great Britain are mainly Christian, while also taking account of other principal religions including Islam, Judaism, Sikhism, Buddhism and Hinduism.

Our RE curriculum is not designed to convert pupils or promote a particular religion. Instead, it aims to be fair, balanced and open, promoting mutual respect and understanding while recognising the role of families and communities in shaping beliefs.

The Implementation of our RE Curriculum

Our RE curriculum supports pupils’ personal search for meaning as they explore what it means to be human. It follows the Lancashire “Field of Enquiry” model and is structured to build knowledge and skills progressively across the school.

Each unit is centred around an enquiry question, allowing pupils to investigate key ideas such as belief, identity, morality and meaning.

Pupils:

explore religious beliefs, practices and traditions
use artefacts, visits and visitors to deepen understanding
consider different viewpoints and sources of wisdom
learn to express and justify their own ideas respectfully

Learning is adapted to support all pupils, ensuring access for all abilities.

Religions studied include Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism, Buddhism and Hinduism, alongside non-religious worldviews. Learning contributes significantly to pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

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.

Assessment

Assessment in RE is used to monitor pupil progress and inform teaching.

Teachers use ongoing formative assessment through questioning, discussion and observation to identify misconceptions and adapt teaching.

Progress is monitored through:

pupil voice
class discussions
written work
teacher assessment

Assessment is used to ensure pupils develop knowledge, understanding and the ability to reflect thoughtfully on religious and non-religious worldviews.

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

Knowledge and Understanding

EYFS: Children begin to learn about beliefs, celebrations and differences.
KS1: Pupils learn about key beliefs, stories and practices of religions.
LKS2: Pupils develop a deeper understanding of religious concepts and traditions.
UKS2: Pupils compare religions and explore complex ideas about belief and identity.

Reflection and Personal Response

EYFS: Children begin to talk about their own experiences and feelings.
KS1: Pupils express simple opinions about beliefs and values.
LKS2: Pupils reflect on beliefs and begin to justify their ideas.
UKS2: Pupils express well-reasoned and respectful viewpoints.

Respect and Understanding

EYFS: Children learn to recognise similarities and differences.
KS1: Pupils develop respect for different beliefs.
LKS2: Pupils understand diversity within and between religions.
UKS2: Pupils demonstrate tolerance and appreciation of different worldviews.

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

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