Religion and Worldviews

 

At Marshfield Church of England Primary School, Religion and Worldviews is a core academic subject. Through the study of religions, beliefs and non-religious worldviews, pupils explore big questions, develop secure knowledge and think critically about how people understand the world and live their lives.

As a Church school, our vision is rooted in life in all its fullness (John 10:10). This shapes the way we value every child and the way we approach learning. Religion and Worldviews lessons are inclusive and academically rigorous. Pupils learn about Christianity and a wide range of other religious and non-religious worldviews, and they are encouraged to consider different perspectives with respect and curiosity.

Curriculum Intent

The intent of our Religion and Worldviews curriculum is to ensure that all pupils:

  • develop secure knowledge and understanding of Christianity and a range of religious and non-religious worldviews
  • explore how beliefs, values and worldviews shape identity, behaviour and communities
  • engage with theological, philosophical and ethical questions
  • develop the vocabulary and confidence to express their own ideas thoughtfully and respectfully

Religion and Worldviews at Marshfield is inclusive and intellectually challenging. Pupils are not taught what to think, but are encouraged to think deeply, ask questions and consider a range of perspectives.

Curriculum Structure and Progression

The curriculum is organised through a rolling cycle, ensuring progression in knowledge and understanding while allowing mixed-age classes to engage meaningfully with shared concepts and themes.

Across the school, pupils revisit key ideas in increasingly complex ways. In the early years and Key Stage 1, learning focuses on stories, symbols, celebrations, belonging and special places. These foundations are built upon in Key Stage 2, where pupils engage with more abstract concepts such as the nature of God, salvation, suffering, justice, racism and how beliefs influence moral choices and social change.

This carefully sequenced approach ensures coherence, depth and continuity from EYFS through to Year 6.

Religion and Worldviews: Knowledge and Big Questions

Pupils study Christianity alongside other religions, including Judaism, Islam and Hinduism, as well as non-religious worldviews such as Humanism. They explore beliefs, practices, texts and traditions, and consider how these are lived out in everyday life.

Alongside learning about religions and worldviews, pupils are encouraged to think with and from them. Lessons include opportunities for philosophical enquiry, ethical debate and reflection on questions such as meaning, purpose, identity and responsibility.

We approach each religion and worldview as a meaningful way of understanding life, studied with care, accuracy and respect. This approach supports pupils to develop both knowledge and understanding, as well as the ability to compare perspectives and engage thoughtfully with disagreement.

Teaching and Learning

Religion and Worldviews is taught through carefully planned units that build knowledge over time. Lessons include discussion, storytelling, exploration of texts, reflection and creative response. Pupils are encouraged to ask questions, listen carefully to others and use subject-specific vocabulary with increasing confidence.

Teachers create a classroom culture where different viewpoints are respected and curiosity is valued. This ensures that pupils feel safe to express ideas, challenge assumptions and reflect honestly. Pupils are given structured opportunities to reflect, wonder and explore meaning as part of disciplined enquiry.

Knowledge Organisers

To support progression, retrieval and secure understanding, pupils use Knowledge Organisers in Religion and Worldviews. These set out the core knowledge, key vocabulary and important concepts for each unit. They help pupils to revisit prior learning, make connections across religions and worldviews, and use precise subject language when discussing beliefs and ideas.

Spirituality Art

Example Knowledge Organiser showing how pupils develop subject vocabulary and understanding of religions and worldviews.

Assessment and Progress

Assessment in Religion and Worldviews focuses on pupils’ understanding, use of vocabulary and ability to make thoughtful connections between ideas. Teachers use discussion, written work and reflection to check understanding and support progress over time.

Progress is seen in pupils’ growing confidence, depth of understanding and ability to engage with increasingly complex ideas and questions.

Curriculum Framework and Statutory Requirements

Our Religion and Worldviews curriculum is informed by the South Gloucestershire agreed syllabus and meets statutory requirements. It has been thoughtfully adapted to reflect our school context and to ensure an inclusive and academically rigorous approach to religion and worldviews. This includes the use of selected units from Understanding Christianity, alongside wider study of other religions and non-religious worldviews.

Links to Wider School Life

Religion and Worldviews is closely connected to our Christian values, collective worship and wider curriculum. Learning is reinforced through assemblies, reflection and opportunities to notice beliefs and values in action within school life and the wider world.

This integrated approach supports pupils’ spiritual, moral and cultural development, helping them to grow as reflective, compassionate and informed individuals.