Religion and Worldviews
Religion and Worldviews at Penwortham Primary School
At Penwortham Primary School, our Religion and Worldviews curriculum aims to develop thoughtful, reflective pupils who are open-minded and respectful of different beliefs, values and ways of life. We want pupils to understand how religion and worldviews shape people’s lives and influence society, both locally and globally.
Our approach reflects our school values of Aspire, Belong, Care and Discover, supporting pupils to think deeply, ask meaningful questions and develop understanding of life in modern Britain.
Intent
Our Religion and Worldviews curriculum is designed to:
develop pupils’ understanding of religious and non-religious worldviews
build secure knowledge of key beliefs, practices and concepts
encourage respectful discussion and thoughtful questioning
help pupils understand diversity within and between worldviews
support pupils in reflecting on their own beliefs and values
The curriculum prepares pupils for life in modern Britain by promoting tolerance, respect and understanding of different faiths and worldviews.
Implementation - Our Religion and Worldviews Journey
Religion and Worldviews learning begins in EYFS, where children explore their own experiences, family traditions and special celebrations. Pupils learn that people have different beliefs and that some places, stories and times are special to others.
In Key Stage 1, pupils begin to learn about a small range of religions and worldviews represented in the UK, including Christianity. They explore beliefs, stories and practices, building foundational knowledge that they will revisit and deepen later.
In Key Stage 2, pupils study a wider range of religions and worldviews, developing more complex understanding of beliefs, practices, values and lived experiences. Pupils revisit key concepts and ‘big questions’, making connections across different religions and worldviews and considering how beliefs influence individuals and communities.
Learning is carefully sequenced so that pupils build knowledge and understanding over time.
How Religion and Worldviews Is Taught
We use the Kapow Primary Religion and Worldviews scheme, which follows a spiral curriculum model. Units are carefully sequenced so that prior knowledge is revisited and built upon, allowing pupils to deepen their understanding over time.
Teaching is structured around three key strands, in line with national guidance and Ofsted research:
Substantive knowledge – learning about religious and non-religious worldviews
Disciplinary knowledge – understanding how religion and worldviews are studied
Personal knowledge – reflecting on pupils’ own ideas, beliefs and positionality
Lessons are enquiry-based and encourage pupils to ask questions, explore sources, discuss ideas and express their thinking respectfully.
Assessment in Religion and Worldviews
Assessment in Religion and Worldviews focuses on how securely pupils are learning the intended knowledge and developing understanding over time.
Teachers use ongoing formative assessment within lessons, including discussion, questioning and review of pupils’ written and spoken responses, to check understanding and inform teaching.
Summative assessment takes place at planned points, using unit quizzes and knowledge catchers from the Kapow scheme. This information is used to identify strengths and any areas requiring further support, rather than to generate unnecessary data.
Leaders use assessment information to evaluate the impact of the curriculum and ensure pupils are building secure and meaningful understanding.
Impact
As a result of our Religion and Worldviews curriculum, pupils:
develop secure knowledge of religious and non-religious worldviews
understand similarities and differences between beliefs and practices
ask thoughtful questions and make connections
use appropriate vocabulary confidently
show respect, tolerance and open-mindedness
Pupils leave Penwortham Primary School prepared for further learning, with the knowledge and attitudes needed to engage positively with diversity in modern Britain.
Religion and Worldviews, PSHE and British Values
Religion and Worldviews at Penwortham Primary School makes a strong contribution to pupils’ personal development and supports the aims of our PSHE curriculum.
Through Religion and Worldviews, pupils develop self-awareness, empathy and respect for others. Pupils are encouraged to reflect on their own beliefs and values, communicate thoughtfully and listen carefully to different viewpoints.
The curriculum actively promotes British Values:
Mutual respect and tolerance – pupils learn about a range of religious and non-religious worldviews and understand that beliefs and practices may differ within and between communities
Individual liberty – pupils are encouraged to explore ideas, ask questions and express personal views in a safe and respectful environment
Democracy – discussion, debate and enquiry allow pupils to listen to others, share opinions and value different perspectives
Respect for the rule of law – pupils learn about shared values, moral codes and responsibilities that help communities live together peacefully
By linking Religion and Worldviews with PSHE and British Values, pupils develop as reflective, respectful and informed individuals who are prepared for life in modern Britain.