Compassion and tolerance are not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength (Dalai Lama)

 

Our vision is to teach pupils to develop respect for others, no matter their faith, belief or perspective, and encourage empathy and compassion.

 

 

Intent

At Burton Pidsea Primary School, we aim to provide a high-quality Religious Education curriculum that engages, inspires and challenges pupils’ thinking. Through an enquiry-based approach, we encourage children to ask thoughtful questions, explore different beliefs and reflect on their own ideas and values.

Our intention is to equip pupils with secure knowledge and understanding of a range of religions and worldviews, enabling them to explore beliefs, practices and traditions with increasing depth and confidence. We want children to develop the skills to discuss complex and sometimes challenging questions with respect, sensitivity and critical thinking.

We explicitly teach pupils to value diversity and to demonstrate mutual respect for people of all faiths and backgrounds. Through their learning, children develop an appreciation of difference, challenge stereotypes and discrimination, and understand the importance of empathy and tolerance in a multicultural society.

By the time they leave our school, pupils are prepared for life in modern Britain and beyond. They are equipped with the knowledge, understanding and maturity to form their own considered views while showing respect for the beliefs and values of others.

 

 

Implementation

Our school follows the East Riding Agreed Syllabus 2022, which promotes an enquiry-based approach to learning. To support the delivery of this syllabus, we use Kapow Primary to structure and enhance our planning, ensuring full coverage and clear progression of knowledge and skills across year groups. Kapow units are carefully aligned with the East Riding syllabus to maintain fidelity to its aims and expectations.

Units of learning are organised to build progressively, revisiting key themes and concepts as pupils move through the school. This helps children make connections between different areas of learning, deepen their understanding and retain knowledge over time.

Through this approach, children develop secure and meaningful knowledge about the religions and worldviews they study. They are encouraged to think critically, ask thoughtful questions and reflect on their own ideas and beliefs alongside those of others. The curriculum enables pupils to explore Christianity, Judaism, Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism), Islam and Humanism, as well as a range of worldviews, through key questions linked to the concepts of Beliefs and Practices, Identity and Values, and Meaning and Purpose.

Children’s learning is enriched through a range of engaging experiences, including:

• visiting places of worship and exploring symbols and their meanings

• welcoming visitors from local faith and secular communities

• opportunities for quiet reflection and thoughtful discussion

• creative activities such as art, music, drama and dance

• handling high-quality artefacts and resources

• sharing their own beliefs, values and experiences respectfully

• using technology to explore how religions and beliefs are practised locally and globally

RE is taught weekly to ensure continuity and depth, while also allowing meaningful links to significant religious festivals and events throughout the year.

 

Impact

At Burton Pidsea Primary School, pupils develop a respectful and open-minded attitude towards people of all religions and worldviews. They understand and value beliefs and cultural practices that may differ from their own, demonstrating empathy and respect within school and in the wider community.

Children gain secure knowledge of the religions and worldviews they study and are able to discuss key concepts such as Beliefs and Practices, Identity and Values, and Meaning and Purpose with confidence. They learn about significant individuals, past and present, who represent a range of faiths, cultures and backgrounds, helping them to appreciate diversity and the positive contribution of different communities to society.

Through our enquiry-based approach, pupils ask thoughtful questions, reflect on their own ideas and communicate their understanding clearly and respectfully.

End-of-unit teacher assessments are informed by the statutory End of Key Stage Expectations, ensuring accurate judgements and clear progression in knowledge and understanding across the school.

Religion and World Views Long Term Plan and Progression of Skills

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