Exploring Beliefs, Asking Big Questions and Understanding Our World

At Winford Church of England Primary School, we believe that Religion and Worldviews is an important part of helping children understand themselves, others and the world around them.

Our curriculum encourages children to be curious, ask thoughtful questions and explore how different people understand life's big questions. Through learning about religious and non-religious worldviews, children develop knowledge, understanding, empathy and respect for others.

As a Church of England school, our Christian vision, Together we Flourish, inspired by John 10:10, is at the heart of school life. Our values of Aspire, Belong and Care encourage children to appreciate the dignity of every person, celebrate diversity and develop a thoughtful and compassionate approach to the world.

We follow the Lighthouse Schools Partnership (LSP) Religion and Worldviews Curriculum, which provides a carefully sequenced approach to developing children's knowledge, understanding and skills from Reception to Year 6.

Our Religion and Worldviews Curriculum

Our curriculum is designed to help children:

• Develop a secure understanding of Christianity and other religious and non-religious worldviews.

• Explore how people's beliefs influence their lives, choices, traditions and communities.

• Understand that there is diversity both between and within religions and worldviews.

• Ask thoughtful questions about meaning, purpose, belonging and morality.

• Develop the confidence to express their own ideas while listening respectfully to others.

• Recognise the importance of tolerance, understanding and mutual respect in modern Britain.

Christianity is studied in depth throughout the curriculum, reflecting our Church of England foundation and its importance as a global faith.

Alongside Christianity, children learn about Islam, Judaism, Hinduism and Humanism, developing an understanding of different ways people make sense of the world.

Children learn that not everyone within a particular religion or worldview believes or practises in exactly the same way. Through real-life examples and case studies, they explore the rich diversity of people's experiences.

Religion and Worldviews is not about telling children what to believe. It is about helping them develop the knowledge and skills to understand different perspectives, think critically and form their own considered responses.

The Four Key Concepts

Our curriculum is organised around four important concepts. These are revisited throughout children's time at Winford, helping them make connections between different religions, worldviews and experiences.

1. Beliefs and Teachings

Exploring what people believe and why.

Children investigate the important beliefs, stories and teachings found within different religious and non-religious worldviews.

They consider questions such as:

• What do different religions teach about God, people and the world?

• Why are sacred texts such as the Bible, Qur'an and Torah important?

• How do religious stories help people understand their beliefs?

• How might beliefs influence the way people live?

Children develop their understanding of Christian beliefs about Creation, Incarnation, Salvation and the Kingdom of God, alongside teachings and beliefs from other worldviews.

2. Practices and Lifestyles

Understanding how people express their beliefs through everyday life.

Children explore the ways in which religion and worldviews influence worship, celebrations, traditions and daily routines.

They investigate:

• Different places of worship and why they are important.

• Prayer, fasting and reflection.

• Religious festivals and celebrations.

• Pilgrimage and sacred places.

• How people put their beliefs into practice.

Children discover that religious practices can vary considerably, even among people who share the same faith.

3. Identity and Belonging

Exploring how beliefs help shape people's identities and communities.

Children consider what it means to belong and how religion and worldviews can influence a person's sense of identity.

They explore:

• How families and communities welcome new members.

• Religious symbols and traditions.

• How festivals help communities remember important events.

• What it means to belong to a religious or non-religious community.

• The opportunities and challenges people may experience because of their beliefs.

This learning helps children recognise the importance of belonging, inclusion and respect for others.

4. Meaning and Purpose

Asking big questions about life, values and the world.

Children are encouraged to think deeply about questions that people have explored throughout history.

These include:

• Why are we here?

• What makes a good life?

• How should we treat others?

• Why do people have different beliefs?

• What happens when we die?

• How should we care for our planet?

Children explore different responses to these questions, learning to explain their ideas, consider evidence and listen respectfully to different perspectives.

Learning to Think Like Scholars

Our curriculum introduces children to three different ways of exploring religion and worldviews.

These approaches help children move beyond simply learning facts about religions and begin to investigate beliefs, ideas and lived experiences in greater depth.

Theology – Exploring Beliefs

What do people believe, and where do these beliefs come from?

Children learn to explore religious texts, stories and teachings.

They consider how beliefs have developed, how they are interpreted and how they influence people's understanding of the world.

For example, children might explore what Christians believe about Jesus, what the Qur'an teaches Muslims or how Hindu beliefs about Brahman are expressed.

Philosophy – Exploring Big Questions

What can we think, question and reason about?

Children develop the confidence to ask questions about meaning, truth, right and wrong.

They learn to consider different arguments, explain their reasoning and recognise that some questions do not have simple answers.

For example, children might consider what makes an action right or wrong, whether faith and science can complement each other, or how people find happiness and purpose.

Social Sciences – Exploring Lived Experiences

How do people live out their beliefs?

Children investigate how religious and non-religious worldviews influence the lives of individuals, families and communities.

They use examples, observations and evidence to understand how beliefs are expressed in different ways.

For example, children might compare how families celebrate festivals, investigate different places of worship or explore what it is like to be Muslim in Britain today.

Together, these three approaches help children develop a deeper, more thoughtful understanding of religion and worldviews.

Religion and Worldviews in Reception

In Reception, children begin to explore religion and worldviews through stories, play, discussion, celebrations and experiences.

Learning is linked closely to the Early Years Foundation Stage, particularly Understanding the World and Personal, Social and Emotional Development.

Children explore six enquiry questions:

• Why is the word 'God' so important to Christians? – Exploring Christian beliefs about Creation and caring for our world.

• Why do Christians perform Nativity at Christmas? – Learning the Christmas story and why Jesus' birth is important to Christians.

• Which places are special and why? – Exploring special places, including churches, mosques and synagogues.

• Why do Christians put a cross in an Easter Garden? – Discovering the Easter story and the meaning of the cross.

• What is special about our world? – Developing a sense of awe and wonder and considering how we care for nature.

• Which stories are special and why? – Exploring religious stories and the messages they communicate.

Through these experiences, children begin to recognise that people have different beliefs, traditions and experiences.

They are encouraged to ask questions, share their own ideas and develop respect for others.

Religion and Worldviews in Key Stage 1

In Years 1 and 2, children build their understanding of Christianity, Islam, Judaism and Humanism.

They explore important stories, beliefs, celebrations and practices, making connections between their learning and everyday life.

Year 1 – Belonging, Beliefs and Caring for Others

Children investigate:

• How is a new child welcomed? – Comparing Christian and Humanist ways of welcoming a new baby.

• Why does Christmas matter to Christians? – Understanding the importance of Jesus' birth.

• What does it mean to belong? – Exploring belonging in Christian and Jewish communities, including Shabbat.

• How do stories inspire actions? – Investigating Christian and Muslim stories about caring for others.

• What do Christians believe God is like? – Exploring Christian beliefs about God's love, kindness and forgiveness.

• What makes places of worship sacred? – Comparing churches, mosques and synagogues.

Children begin to recognise similarities and differences between religious and non-religious worldviews and explore how beliefs can influence the way people treat others.

Year 2 – Celebrations, Stories and Meaning

Children investigate:

• How do festivals celebrate the natural world? – Exploring Harvest, Sukkot and other celebrations connected to nature.

• What is the good news Jesus brings? – Learning about Christian beliefs concerning love, forgiveness and peace.

• How do different people find deeper meanings? – Exploring stories from Christianity, Islam and Humanism.

• Why does Easter matter to Christians? – Understanding the significance of Jesus' death and resurrection.

• Who made the world? – Exploring Christian beliefs about Creation and caring for the Earth.

• Is it possible to speak to God? – Investigating prayer in Christianity and Islam, alongside Humanist reflection.

Children develop their ability to interpret stories, explain beliefs and understand how religious and non-religious people express their values.

Religion and Worldviews in Key Stage 2

In Key Stage 2, children deepen their knowledge of Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism and Humanism.

They explore increasingly complex questions, consider different interpretations and develop the confidence to discuss religious, philosophical and ethical issues.

Year 3 – Faith, Festivals and Sacred Stories

Children investigate:

• How does prayer and fasting help Muslims find harmony? – Exploring prayer, Ramadan and the importance of worship in Islam.

• How do ancient stories influence modern celebrations? – Investigating Diwali and Christmas.

• How do Jews remember God's covenant? – Exploring Pesach, the Exodus story and Jewish traditions.

• Why do Christians call the day Jesus died 'Good Friday'? – Understanding Holy Week and Christian beliefs about Jesus' death and resurrection.

• What is the Trinity? – Exploring the Christian belief in God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

• What do Christians learn from the creation story? – Considering Christian beliefs about Creation, responsibility and stewardship.

Children begin to examine how religious beliefs have developed and how stories and traditions continue to influence people's lives today.

Year 4 – Responsibility, Faith and Following God

Children investigate:

• What does dharma teach about attitudes to the planet? – Exploring Hindu beliefs about responsibility and care for the natural world.

• When Jesus left, what was the impact of Pentecost? – Learning about the Holy Spirit and the beginnings of the Christian Church.

• What is it like to follow God? – Exploring the story of Noah, promises and the idea of covenant.

• How does Prophet Muhammad inspire Muslims today? – Investigating the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad.

• What kind of world did Jesus want? – Exploring Jesus' teachings about love, forgiveness and justice.

• Why might some people visit Jerusalem, Karbala or Makkah? – Understanding the significance of sacred places and pilgrimage.

Children develop their understanding of how beliefs can inspire people to act, make choices and contribute to their communities.

Year 5 – Identity, Belonging and Living a Meaningful Life

Children investigate:

• How does remembering maintain Jewish identity? – Exploring Jewish festivals, traditions and their importance to communities.

• What does it mean if God is holy and loving? – Investigating Christian beliefs about God's nature.

• What are the joys and challenges of being Muslim in Britain? – Exploring contemporary Muslim life, diversity and experiences of prejudice.

• What difference does the resurrection make to Christians? – Understanding Christian beliefs about hope, salvation and life after death.

• How can humanists lead a happy and meaningful life? – Exploring Humanist approaches to morality, reason and empathy.

• What would Jesus do? – Considering how Jesus' teachings influence Christian choices and actions today.

Children explore how religious and non-religious beliefs influence identity, belonging, relationships and moral decisions.

Year 6 – Exploring Complex Questions and Different Perspectives

Children investigate:

• How do Hindus see Brahman? – Exploring Hindu understandings of the divine, deities and worship.

• Was Jesus the Messiah? – Investigating Christian beliefs about Jesus and the meaning of Incarnation.

• Why are people still drawn to ancient places? – Exploring pilgrimage to places including Iona, the River Ganges and Glastonbury.

• Creation and science: conflicting or complementary? – Considering Christian beliefs about Creation alongside scientific explanations.

• How can following God bring freedom and justice? – Exploring themes of freedom, justice and responsibility within Christianity.

• What kind of king is Jesus? – Investigating Christian beliefs about the Kingdom of God and their relevance today.

By the end of Year 6, children are encouraged to draw on their knowledge, consider different perspectives and construct thoughtful, well-reasoned responses to challenging questions.

Learning Through Enquiry

Asking Questions, Exploring Ideas and Developing Understanding

Every Religion and Worldviews unit is organised around an enquiry question.

Children build the knowledge and understanding needed to explore this question through carefully sequenced lessons.

They are encouraged to investigate beliefs and practices, consider different perspectives and reflect on what they have learned.

Learning may involve:

• Exploring religious stories and sacred texts.

• Examining artefacts, symbols and religious artwork.

• Investigating places of worship and festivals.

• Learning from the experiences of people with different worldviews.

• Discussing philosophical and ethical questions.

• Comparing similarities and differences between beliefs and practices.

• Developing explanations supported by evidence.

Children learn that thoughtful questioning and respectful discussion are important parts of understanding religion and worldviews.

Developing Knowledge and Skills

As children progress through school, they develop increasingly sophisticated knowledge and skills.

These include:

• Religious literacy – Understanding important beliefs, teachings, vocabulary and practices.

• Interpretation – Exploring the meaning of religious texts, stories and symbols.

• Critical thinking – Considering evidence, asking questions and evaluating different viewpoints.

• Reasoning – Developing and explaining thoughtful responses to philosophical and ethical questions.

• Understanding diversity – Recognising differences both between and within religions and worldviews.

• Empathy and respect – Listening to and appreciating perspectives that may differ from their own.

• Reflection – Considering questions about identity, values, meaning and purpose.

• Communication – Expressing ideas clearly through discussion, writing, debate and creative responses.

Our curriculum supports children in becoming confident, knowledgeable and respectful learners who can engage thoughtfully with the diverse world around them.

Religion and Worldviews at a Church of England School

As a Church of England school, Christianity has a special place within our school community and curriculum.

Our vision, Together we Flourish, is rooted in the Christian understanding of life in all its fullness, expressed in John 10:10.

Through Religion and Worldviews, children develop a deeper understanding of Christianity, including the Bible, Christian beliefs, the life and teachings of Jesus, and how Christians live out their faith.

At the same time, we recognise the importance of learning about other religions and non-religious worldviews.

We want children to understand that people may have different beliefs and ways of living, and that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.

Our curriculum supports our school values:

• Aspire – Encouraging curiosity, thoughtful questioning and a desire to understand more.

• Belong – Recognising the importance of identity, community and respecting difference.

• Care – Developing compassion, empathy and responsibility towards others and our world.

Through this learning, we hope children will develop a strong sense of their own identity alongside an appreciation of the beliefs and experiences of others.

Religion and Worldviews, Collective Worship and Spirituality

Religion and Worldviews lessons are distinct from collective worship.

Religion and Worldviews is an academic subject in which children learn about and explore different religious and non-religious worldviews. They are encouraged to investigate, question and develop their own understanding.

Collective worship is part of our daily life as a Church of England school. It provides opportunities for reflection, prayer, celebration and exploring our Christian vision and values.

Our approach to spirituality also encourages children to recognise moments of awe, wonder, reflection and connection.

We describe spirituality at Winford as:

“Finding moments of awe, wonder, reflection and connection that help us grow in faith, hope and love.”

Through our Windows, Mirrors and Doors approach, children are encouraged to look out at the world, reflect on their own experiences and consider how they might respond through their actions.

These different aspects of school life complement one another, supporting children's personal, spiritual and moral development.

Helping Children Know More and Remember More

Our curriculum is carefully sequenced so that children revisit important concepts, deepen their understanding and make connections between different religions and worldviews.

Teachers use:

• Clear explanations and carefully selected examples.

• Regular opportunities to revisit previous learning.

• Important subject vocabulary.

• Stories, images, artefacts and other resources.

• Discussion and questioning to explore understanding.

• Assessment to identify misconceptions and next steps.

Children gradually develop a secure understanding of important beliefs and concepts, enabling them to use their knowledge when exploring more challenging questions.

Supporting Every Learner

We believe that every child should be able to access and succeed in Religion and Worldviews.

Teachers adapt learning to meet individual needs through approaches such as:

• Visual resources, stories and artefacts.

• Clear explanations of unfamiliar vocabulary.

• Structured discussion and opportunities to rehearse ideas.

• Practical and creative activities.

• Additional scaffolding and adult support where appropriate.

• Opportunities for deeper questioning and extended reasoning.

We recognise that children come from a variety of religious, non-religious and cultural backgrounds.

Every child is encouraged to participate in learning, ask questions and share ideas in a respectful environment.

How Parents Can Support Learning at Home

Families can support children's understanding of Religion and Worldviews through everyday conversations and shared experiences.

Some simple ideas include:

• Talk about beliefs and values – Discuss what matters to your family and why.

• Explore celebrations – Find out about different religious and cultural festivals.

• Visit interesting places – Explore churches, places of worship, museums and cultural events.

• Share stories – Read stories from different traditions and discuss their meanings.

• Encourage questions – Talk about big questions, recognising that people may have different answers.

• Discuss kindness and fairness – Explore how our choices and actions affect others.

• Celebrate diversity – Help children understand and appreciate different cultures, traditions and ways of life.

Children do not need to have a religious belief to engage fully with Religion and Worldviews. Curiosity, thoughtful questions and a willingness to listen are all valuable parts of learning.

Curriculum Information

Our Religion and Worldviews curriculum follows the Lighthouse Schools Partnership Religion and Worldviews Curriculum, informed by the Church of England Statement of Entitlement for Religious Education (2026) and the Religious Education Council's National Content Standard for RE (2023).

The curriculum provides a clear progression of knowledge, understanding and disciplinary skills from Reception through to Year 6.

Further information about what children learn can be found in our year group curriculum overviews.

View Year Group Curriculum Overviews

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Together we Flourish

Aspire • Belong • Care

Understanding beliefs, respecting differences and exploring life's big questions together.