‘This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.’ - Dalai Lama 

Curriculum Intent

At St Peter’s Primary School, we believe that Religious and Worldviews Education (RWE) plays a vital role in helping children to understand themselves, others and the diverse world in which we live. RWE is a core subject within our curriculum, providing children with the knowledge, language and understanding they need to explore different beliefs, ask thoughtful questions and engage in meaningful dialogue.

Our curriculum reflects our vision and values, supporting children to recognise shared values, appreciate different perspectives and become courageous advocates. Through learning about religions and worldviews, children are encouraged to reflect on their own thoughts and opinions, consider the experiences of others and develop the understanding needed to navigate the opportunities and responsibilities of life in modern Britain.

Our curriculum explores Christianity, Islam, Sanātana Dharma, Judaism and Humanism. Christianity accounts for 50% of curriculum time, with the remaining 50% dedicated to the study of other religions and worldviews. This enables children to develop a broad and balanced understanding of different beliefs and ways of life, while making meaningful connections between them.

As a Church school, RWE is closely aligned with our vision and values, Personal Development, collective worship and spirituality. Our subject and Church School Flourishing leads work collaboratively to ensure that these aspects of school life complement one another and contribute to the flourishing of every child.

Our RWE Curriculum intersects with many other aspects of our Church school, including:

Vision and Values

Personal Development

Christian Distinctiveness

Curriculum Intent

Our RWE curriculum is carefully sequenced to build children's knowledge and understanding over time. It brings together substantive knowledge of religions and worldviews with disciplinary knowledge, helping children to understand what people believe and how to explore, interpret and make sense of those beliefs.

Our curriculum is organised around five Big Ideas, which provide a structure for learning about different religions and worldviews, and three RWE Concepts, which help children to explore and make sense of their learning. Together, these enable children to develop a secure understanding of different beliefs and practices, make meaningful connections and comparisons, and consider how religions and worldviews shape people's lives.

Learning is driven by big questions that encourage children to think deeply, explore different perspectives and develop informed responses. As children revisit the Big Ideas and RWE Concepts, they build on prior knowledge, deepen their understanding and become increasingly confident in reflecting on what they have learnt.

Our curriculum is organised around five big ideas that are revisited as children learn about different religions and worldviews. These help children build their knowledge of key beliefs and teachings, understand how these influence people's lives and make connections between different religions and worldviews.

 

Creation

Understanding beliefs about how the world and life began, the role of a creator and humanity's responsibility to care for creation.

 

Intermediary

Understanding how religious figures, teachings and sacred texts provide guidance, wisdom and knowledge to help people live their lives.

 

Salvation

Understanding beliefs about how people can be saved or protected, the values that guide their lives and what it means to live well.

 

Witness and worship

Understanding how people express, demonstrate and celebrate their beliefs through worship, devotion and acts of love, and how these help build flourishing communities.

 

Afterlife

Understanding beliefs about what happens after death and the possibility of a future life beyond this world.

 

 

Throughout their time at St Peter’s, children develop their understanding of three key RWE concepts. These concepts help them explore religious beliefs and practices, interpret sacred texts and teachings, and consider how religions and worldviews connect with people's lives and the wider world.

Text meaning: Developing skills in reading and interpreting sacred texts, understanding how people of faith use and understand their texts, and exploring the meanings they find within them.

 

Impact: Exploring how religious beliefs, sacred texts and teachings influence people's actions, choices and ways of life, both within faith communities and in the wider world.

 

Connections and worldviews: Making connections between religions and worldviews, reflecting on different beliefs and perspectives, and considering how these relate to children's own lives and understanding of the world.

 

Lessons and topics are enriched through visits to places of worship, through opportunities to talk to people who follow those religion and world views, be this, members of our school community or others.

At St Peter’s as part of our RWE and our Church School Flourishing we invite and welcome speakers in to discuss their faith, beliefs and to celebrate and learn about different festivals, celebrations and culture experiences.

 

Right to Withdraw from Religious Education

Parents have the right to withdraw their children from religious education and/or collective worship.

If you wish to withdraw your child from all or part of either, please contact our Head of School, Mrs Morris, or the school office in writing so that appropriate arrangements can be discussed.