Willoughton Primary School

R.E

Religious Education and World Views at Willoughton:

‘A high-quality religious education curriculum inspires all pupils to become religiously literate and able to hold balanced and informed conversations about religions and belief. It should provide opportunities for pupils to develop their knowledge and understanding of Christianity as well as other principal religions and world views. It should focus on concepts as well as content, within the context of enquiry-based learning and provide opportunities for pupils to explore authentic religious material and reflect diversity in terms of the changing religious landscape of the UK so that they are prepared for life in modern Britain.’

Lincolnshire Locally Agreed Syllabus 2018 – 2023

Our Intent:

At Willoughton Primary School, we are passionate about providing all our pupils with a rich and engaging RE curriculum which fosters their understanding, respect, and appreciation for different religious and non-religious beliefs and practices represented in the United Kingdom. Through our RE curriculum, we aim to develop pupils' knowledge, understanding, and skills, enabling them to make reasoned and informed judgements about the world's religions and their own beliefs, values, and identity. Also, preparing them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life.

How we implement this:

We follow the Lincolnshire Agreed Syllabus for Religion Education from the Lincoln Diocese. The spiral curriculum is planned and sequenced so that new religious knowledge and specific related skills build on prior learning and towards children becoming religiously literate. A range of religions are covered, and non-religious beliefs are discussed. The syllabus approaches learning through 4 key areas of enquiry; God, Being Human, Community Worship, and Celebration and Life journey; rites of passage. Within these areas of enquiry children will cover the following:

Learning about religions: In EYFS and KS1 we cover Christianity and Islam and in KS2 we study Christianity, Hinduism and Islam. We consider age-appropriate content and provide opportunities to delve into the diversity within each faith tradition. We also study additional units relating to various aspects of a range of religions and beliefs (eg places of worship, celebrations, pilgrimage, religious art etc) and make the children aware that some people have no religious views.
Understanding and interpretation of religious texts: We explore religious texts and stories, encouraging pupils to engage with sacred texts and reflect on their meanings, beliefs, and teachings.
Investigation of key beliefs, practices, and rituals: Pupils investigate the core beliefs, practices, and rituals associated with different religions, promoting an understanding of the key aspects and values that underpin various faiths.
Recognition of diversity within religious traditions: We emphasise the diversity within different religious traditions, acknowledging and celebrating the varied cultural expressions, interpretations, and practices across communities.

To ensure the high-quality delivery of our RE curriculum, we:

provide a wide range of opportunities for pupils to engage actively with their learning through hands-on activities, discussions, debates, visits to places of worship, and encounters with people from different religious backgrounds.
encourage pupils to think critically, evaluate evidence, challenge assumptions, and develop their own reasoned opinions through planned questioning and opportunities for dialogue.
foster an inclusive and welcoming environment where pupils feel safe to express their thoughts and beliefs. We promote mutual respect and understanding, facilitating open discussions while valuing diversity and difference.

The impact:

The successful RE and World views approach at Willoughton Primary school will support pupils to develop a broad and deep understanding of a range of religious and non-religious beliefs, enabling them to engage thoughtfully with the diverse world views they encounter. Pupils will learn to respect and value differences, developing empathy and an appreciation of the values and beliefs held by others. This fosters harmonious relationships and prepares pupils to contribute positively to society. Through the study of RE and World views, pupils develop critical thinking skills, allowing them to evaluate information, consider different perspectives, and form their own well-reasoned opinions. RE and World views provides opportunities for pupils to explore questions of meaning, purpose and identity, contributing to their personal growth and well-being. Pupils develop self-awareness and a strong moral compass, enabling them to make responsible choices in their lives.

For any queries relating to Religious Education at Willoughton Primary School, please contact Miss Odette Clarke our Subject Leader.

Our Fantastic Buddhism Day in school

What a great day we had learning about Buddhism.