Harmans Water Primary School

At HWPS, our vision for Religious Education (RE) is to provide students with a rich understanding of different world religions and non-religious viewpoints. By doing so, we aim to foster the cultural, moral, social, and spiritual development of our students, helping them appreciate and understand the diverse world around them.

• Build a Strong Understanding of World Religions: We aim to provide a solid foundation in Christianity, alongside in-depth studies of other major world religions, such as Judaism, Hinduism, Islam, and Sikhism.
• Explore Non-Religious Perspectives: We also introduce non-religious viewpoints, such as Humanism, to broaden our students' understanding of different beliefs.
• Promote Compassion and Respect: Our inquiry-based RE curriculum encourages respect for all cultures and religions, promoting a spirit of understanding and compassion.
• Real-Life Learning Experiences: We enrich students’ learning through visits to places of worship, meetings with religious leaders, and handling sacred religious items to bring the subject to life.

Through our teaching of RE, we aim to support children in developing a sense of British values, respect for others, and the ability to celebrate diversity. Our approach encourages students to form their own understanding of the world’s many religions and belief systems, enabling them to engage with others in a compassionate and open-minded way.

We follow the Pan Berkshire RE syllabus, which ensures that all students are exposed to a broad range of religious traditions and non-religious viewpoints. The curriculum is designed to help students make connections between different belief systems and reflect on their own understanding.

Key Stage 1 (KS1): Students begin by studying Christianity each year, along with learning about Hinduism and Judaism. By the end of Year 2, students will also begin to explore non-religious viewpoints, encouraging them to think about different perspectives.

Lower Key Stage 2 (KS2): In addition to continuing their study of Christianity, students also explore Islam and Sikhism, alongside non-religious views. They are encouraged to consider how these belief systems influence people's lives and actions.

Upper Key Stage 2 (UKS2): Students continue to study Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, and Judaism, and are introduced to Humanism. They explore deeper questions about worship, symbols, stories, religious leaders, sacred texts, and places of worship.

Throughout their time at HWPS, students are encouraged to ask key questions about Belief, Belonging, and Behaving, which form the foundation of our RE curriculum. These questions guide their exploration of how religion shapes individuals and communities.

The impact of our RE teaching is assessed through teacher observations, questioning, and pupil voice discussions. We regularly engage with students through surveys and conversations to assess their confidence, engagement, and attitudes toward learning about world religions.

The key outcomes we aim for include:

·        Solid Foundational Knowledge: By the time students leave HWPS, they will have a strong understanding of the key beliefs and practices of major world religions.

·        Mastery of Key Vocabulary: Students will possess a solid understanding of the vocabulary related to the main religions, which will equip them well for secondary school.

·        Positive Attitudes Toward Learning: Our students develop a respect for the beliefs of others, engaging positively with the subject matter and showing a genuine interest in learning about different worldviews.

At HWPS, we believe that learning about world religions not only enriches our students' knowledge but also prepares them to become thoughtful, empathetic individuals in a diverse society.