Religious Education: Believing, Belonging & Worldviews

 

At Kirkstall Valley Primary School, we believe that Religious Education (RE) is at the forefront of inclusion. In a diverse and changing world, RE is key to preparing children to successfully navigate the multicultural society of which they are part.

Our curriculum is guided by "Believing and Belonging: The Leeds Agreed Syllabus for 2024-2029".

 

Our Vision

 

Our RE curriculum goes beyond simple facts. It equips pupils with the knowledge, skills, and understanding of religious beliefs, attitudes, practices, and rituals of a variety of faiths and worldviews.

  • Inclusion: We teach that some people have no attachment to religious beliefs and follow secular philosophies.

  • Representation: We aim for our curriculum to be reflective of both our school and local community, ensuring that the content delivered is representative, inclusive, and accessible.

  • Critical Thinking: We empower learners to use critical thinking skills to develop their own personal worldview, identity, and values.

 

Curriculum Structure: Three Core Areas

 

To ensure academic rigour, our curriculum is built around three core areas as outlined in the Leeds Agreed Syllabus:

  1. The study of key beliefs and practices of religions and other worldviews (including those represented in West Yorkshire).

  2. The opportunity to explore key religious concepts and common human questions of meaning, purpose, and value ('ultimate' questions).

  3. Investigation of how beliefs affect moral decisions and identity, exploring both diversity and shared human values.

The Six Conceptual Pathways These core areas are taught through a progression of six "conceptual pathways" that run through the school:

  • Pathway 1: The Nature of Religion and Belief

  • Pathway 2: Expressing Belief

  • Pathway 3: A Good Life

  • Pathway 4: Personal Journey

  • Pathway 5: Influence and Authority

  • Pathway 6: The Big Picture

Religions & Worldviews Studied We cover the principal religions represented in Great Britain: Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Sikhism, alongside non-religious worldviews.

 

Implementation: How We Teach RE

 

RE is taught throughout Key Stages One and Two, and as part of a topic-based approach in Early Years (Understanding the World).

  • Weekly Lessons (Rolling Cycle): In KS1 and KS2, children study RE weekly for half of the year (on a rolling cycle with another subject).

  • RE Days: To ensure we meet the syllabus requirement of averaging one hour per week—and to allow for deep, immersive learning—we add two "RE Days" to our annual timetable. On these days, the usual timetable is collapsed, and classes focus on a thematic RE unit for the entire day.

  • Resources: In Key Stage Two, we have centralised resources and produced bespoke booklets for each unit to guide learning.

Recording Learning

  • Key Stage 1: Learning is practical and discursive. Lessons focus on discussion, drama, and oral rehearsal to explore complex concepts, alongside written outcomes that capture the children's reflections. Children may also use booklets to capture learning.

  • Key Stage 2: Children use bespoke unit booklets to structure their learning, moving towards more extended pieces of writing and comparative study.

 

Enrichment & Experiences

 

We bring RE to life beyond the classroom. Throughout the year, we focus on different religious celebrations and holy days in our assemblies. We also encourage every class to visit a place of worship or host a religious representative to discuss their faith and answer the children's questions.

 

Assessment

 

Assessment in RE is formative and ongoing. Teachers use lessons to reshape planning and address misconceptions immediately. Summative assessments at the end of units consider the children’s work over time as well as their final extended pieces.

 

Right to Withdraw

 

Please note that parents and carers have the right to withdraw children from all or some of the Religious Education teaching at Kirkstall Valley Primary School. We encourage you to speak with us first so that we may discuss any concerns and show you the materials we use.

 

Subject Leadership

 

For further information about our RE curriculum, please speak to Ms Piscicelli.