Religious Education
Intent
Religious Education and Worldviews
At Hawkesley Church Primary Academy, our vision is for every child to flourish and fulfil their God-given potential so that they can truly‘Let their light shine’ (Matthew 5:16). Religious Education and Worldviews plays a central role in promoting our theologically rooted Christian vision and values, equipping pupils with the wisdom, understanding and confidence needed to engage thoughtfully with the diverse world around them.
Through Religious Education and Worldviews, pupils develop a deep understanding of Christianity as a diverse global living faith whilst also learning about a range of religious and non-religious worldviews. We recognise and celebrate the rich diversity of beliefs, faiths, cultures and experiences represented within our school community and wider society. Through this learning, children develop the knowledge, skills and understanding required to navigate an increasingly interconnected world with respect, curiosity and compassion.
As a Church school with a Methodist heritage, Christianity is at the heart of our curriculum. Pupils engage with biblical texts, theology, lived experiences of faith and the distinctive Methodist contribution to spirituality through music and reflection. Alongside Christianity, children learn about other religious and non-religious worldviews, exploring both the diversity within traditions and the common themes that connect humanity.
Our curriculum is designed to enable pupils to:
- Develop secure substantive knowledge of Christianity and a range of religious and non-religious worldviews.
- Build religious literacy through the disciplinary lenses of Theology, Philosophy and Human/Social Sciences.
- Explore questions of belief, identity, belonging, meaning and purpose.
- Engage respectfully with views and experiences that may differ from their own.
- Reflect on their own developing personal worldview.
- Challenge stereotypes and misconceptions through meaningful dialogue and enquiry.
- Become thoughtful, compassionate and responsible citizens who contribute positively to modern British society.
Implementation
Our Religious Education and Worldviews curriculum is delivered through a carefully sequenced programme of learning which develops pupils’ knowledge, understanding and religious literacy over time. Learning is rooted in Christianity and enriched through the study of a range of religious and non-religious worldviews.
Curriculum Design
Our curriculum draws upon Understanding Christianity, Christianity as a Global World Faith, and Methodist Music and Spirituality units. Pupils also study Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism and Humanism, enabling them to explore both distinctive beliefs and shared human experiences.
Disciplinary Thinking
In line with the Church of England Statement of Entitlement, pupils learn through the disciplinary lenses of:
- Theology – exploring beliefs, sacred texts and sources of authority.
- Philosophy – considering questions of meaning, truth, ethics and existence.
- Human and Social Sciences – investigating how beliefs are lived out by individuals and communities.
These approaches support pupils in developing critical thinking, analysis, interpretation and respectful dialogue.
Enquiry and Reflection
Lessons provide opportunities for pupils to ask challenging questions, analyse different perspectives and engage in meaningful discussion. Pupils regularly reflect as theologians, philosophers or social scientists, helping them to make connections between beliefs, practices and lived experiences whilst developing their own worldview.
Spiritual Development
Religious Education and Worldviews contributes significantly to pupils’ spiritual development. Through encounters with diverse beliefs, values and experiences, pupils explore awe and wonder, ask profound questions and reflect on what it means to live a meaningful life. The Methodist Music and Spirituality units further enrich this learning through opportunities for reflection, creativity and personal expression.
Community Engagement
Pupils encounter authentic lived experiences through visitors, visits to places of worship and engagement with faith and belief communities. These experiences deepen understanding and help pupils appreciate the diversity of the world around them.
Impact
By the time pupils leave Hawkesley Church Primary Academy, they will have developed strong religious literacy and a secure understanding of Christianity and a range of religious and non-religious worldviews. They will be able to discuss beliefs, values and practices with confidence, respect and sensitivity, drawing upon secure knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Pupils will:
- Demonstrate secure substantive knowledge of Christianity and other worldviews.
- Apply theological, philosophical and human/social science approaches to their learning.
- Ask informed questions and evaluate different viewpoints thoughtfully and respectfully.
- Recognise and appreciate the diversity that exists both between and within religious and non-religious traditions.
- Reflect on and articulate their own developing worldview.
- Show respect, empathy and understanding towards people whose beliefs differ from their own.
- Be prepared to engage positively with life in modern Britain and the wider world.
As a result of their learning, pupils will leave Hawkesley Church Primary Academy equipped to contribute thoughtfully and compassionately to their communities, recognising their shared humanity and continuing to let their light shine.
Right of Withdrawal
Parents and carers have an absolute legal right under Section 71 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 to withdraw their child from all or part of Religious Education and Worldviews. This right applies only to Religious Education and collective worship and does not extend to other curriculum subjects where religion or belief may be studied. Requests for withdrawal should be made in writing to the Headteacher. The school will ensure that appropriate supervision arrangements are made for pupils who are withdrawn from lessons.