Religious Education

At Whiston Worrygoose J & I School, Religious Education is a vital part of our curriculum, fostering understanding, respect, and reflection in line with our Character Values of "Respect and Tolerance" for all. Our teaching of RE inspires pupils to explore profound questions about life, beliefs, and values while developing a rich knowledge of diverse religions and worldviews. Through engaging lessons, discussions, and experiences, we empower children to think critically, express their ideas thoughtfully, and appreciate the diverse society in which we live. RE at Worrygoose nurtures curiosity, empathy, and the skills needed to live harmoniously in a global community.

RE CURRICULUM

Whole school overview

Rotherham SACRE Scheme

INTENT

At Whiston Worrygoose J & I School, our RE curriculum is designed to foster understanding, respect, and thoughtful reflection, aligned with our Character Values. We aim to inspire pupils to explore and appreciate the rich diversity of religions and worldviews, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and values to navigate and contribute positively to our diverse society.

Rooted in the Rotherham Agreed Syllabus, our RE curriculum ensures that children gain a deep understanding of Christianity and the principal religions represented in the UK, alongside non-religious worldviews. Through engaging lessons, children learn to describe, explain, and analyze beliefs and practices, exploring how these shape individuals, communities, and cultures.

We aim to make RE a meaningful and integrated part of the children’s learning by weaving its themes into other areas of the curriculum. For example, through novel studies, story time texts, and creative projects, children are exposed to stories, values, and discussions that complement and deepen their understanding of RE. This cross-curricular approach broadens their perspectives and helps them connect RE learning to real-life experiences and moral questions.

By encouraging respectful dialogue and critical thinking, we enable pupils to reflect on their own beliefs, values, and experiences while appreciating those of others. Our curriculum nurtures curiosity about profound questions of meaning, purpose, and morality, preparing children to live harmoniously and engage meaningfully with the world around them.

Religious Education at Worrygoose also contributes to pupils' spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, empowering them to think creatively, engage compassionately, and act responsibly within their local, national, and global communities. Through this integrated and inclusive approach, we aim to instill a lifelong appreciation for diversity and a commitment to mutual understanding.

IMPLEMENTATION

At Whiston J & I School, RE is delivered through a structured and engaging curriculum that supports children in developing a deep understanding of religions and worldviews. RE is taught through discrete lessons, with each year group studying three carefully planned units annually. These units ensure a focused exploration of key themes and allow children to build on prior knowledge as they progress through school.

Our curriculum is underpinned by five key concepts, which guide all units of work:

Beliefs and Practices: Understanding what people believe and how they express their beliefs through different practices.
Stories and Teachings: Exploring the stories and teachings that are central to different religious traditions.
Celebrations and Festivals: Learning about the significance of celebrations and festivals across various religions.
Symbols and Rituals: Examining the symbols and rituals used to express religious beliefs and practices.
Values and Ethics: Reflecting on the values and ethical principles that guide different religious traditions.

Each unit is supported by a comprehensive theme overview, which helps teachers deliver high-quality lessons.

These overviews outline:

The key knowledge and skills to be developed.
Vocabulary essential for understanding and communication.
Links to British Values such as tolerance, respect, and democracy.
Connections to the school’s PSHE pillars, promoting personal and social development.
A review of prior learning to build continuity and progression.
Opportunities for cross-curricular links and how the unit contributes to the school’s broader curriculum aims.
Our RE curriculum is enriched through integration with other subjects. For example, themes from RE are woven into novel studies, story time texts, and linked to subjects like history and PSHE, broadening children’s understanding and helping them connect religious education to the wider world. This cross-curricular approach deepens engagement and allows pupils to reflect on moral and philosophical questions in a variety of contexts.

Teaching is active and inclusive, incorporating storytelling, discussions, role play, art, and visits to places of worship. This variety ensures children are engaged and able to explore key concepts creatively and meaningfully.

IMPACT

The impact of RE at Worrygoose is seen in the depth of understanding, respect, and critical thinking that our pupils develop. Through a carefully planned curriculum and meaningful opportunities for exploration, children gain the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to engage thoughtfully with the diverse world around them.

By the time children leave Worrygoose, they:

Have a deep understanding of key religious beliefs, practices, and worldviews, including Christianity, other major religions, and non-religious perspectives.
Can articulate their own ideas and insights, reflecting critically on values, ethics, and significant questions about meaning and purpose.
Show respect and empathy towards others, demonstrating an appreciation for the diversity of beliefs and practices within their community and globally.
Are equipped with vocabulary and critical thinking skills to engage in respectful dialogue and debate, enabling them to challenge stereotypes and promote inclusion.
Understand the links between RE and British Values, including democracy, tolerance, respect, and the rule of law, and how these values underpin harmonious living in a diverse society.
Assessment in RE is an integral part of ensuring its impact. This is supported by evidence from creative projects, reflective discussions, and written outcomes at the end of each unit.

The integration of RE with other curriculum areas, enhances its relevance and helps pupils make connections to real-world issues. Experiences such as visits to places of worship, storytelling, and creative activities ensure learning is engaging and memorable.

Through their RE journey, pupils not only achieve academic success but also develop the personal qualities needed to contribute positively to their communities. Religious Education at Worrygoose encourages compassion, and a sense of shared humanity, fostering respect, understanding, and curiosity in every pupil. We provide children with the tools to think critically, empathize with others, and appreciate the diverse beliefs and practices in their community and beyond, preparing them to live harmoniously in a multicultural and multi-faith society.

Useful links

BBC Bitesize – Religious Education– Easy-to-understand information on different world religions.

RE: Online– Resources and articles to explore faith, belief and values.

TrueTube – Short films and resources exploring big questions about life, values and religion.

BBC Teach – Festivals and Religions– Videos and classroom clips about major festivals and practices.

NATRE (National Association of Teachers of RE) – Games, quizzes and resources for children and families.