At Abbey Park Primary School, our Religious Education curriculum enables pupils to become respectful, reflective and open-minded individuals who understand and appreciate the beliefs, values and traditions of others. Through the Worcestershire Agreed Syllabus 2025–2030, children develop knowledge of a range of world religions and worldviews while exploring important questions about identity, belonging, meaning and morality. Our curriculum is underpinned by the school’s curriculum drivers of sustainability and identity and equity, helping pupils understand diversity within modern Britain and the wider world.

What children learn

Our Religious Education curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure pupils build knowledge, understanding and reflection progressively over time. Pupils explore key beliefs, teachings, practices and ways of life within a range of religions and worldviews.

Children learn about:
• Christianity
• Islam
• Judaism
• Hinduism
• Sikhism
• Buddhism
• Humanism and non-religious worldviews

Through enquiry-based learning, pupils explore:
• beliefs about God and faith
• festivals and celebrations
• sacred texts and stories
• places of worship
• belonging and community
• values, morals and ethical choices
• identity and diversity
• big questions about life and meaning

Children are encouraged to make connections between religions, their own experiences and the world around them.

Building knowledge over time

Religious Education is taught progressively from Early Years to Year 7, enabling pupils to develop deeper understanding and respect for different beliefs and cultures over time.

• In Early Years, children begin to explore special people, celebrations, stories, places and communities through discussion, play and first-hand experiences.

• In Key Stage 1, pupils learn about different religions and beliefs through stories, festivals, symbols and simple comparisons.

• In Key Stage 2, pupils deepen their understanding by exploring beliefs, traditions, ethical questions and the impact religion has on individuals and communities.

• In Year 7, pupils build upon their prior learning by exploring religion, belief and worldviews in greater depth. They develop critical thinking skills through discussion, debate and enquiry into philosophical, moral and ethical questions. Pupils are encouraged to analyse different perspectives, make informed comparisons between beliefs and reflect thoughtfully on issues affecting society and the wider world.

Prior learning is regularly revisited so that pupils can make connections and build secure understanding over time.

Thinking like a theologian and philosopher

In addition to developing knowledge of religions and worldviews, pupils are taught how to think critically, respectfully and reflectively. This includes:
• asking thoughtful questions
• exploring different viewpoints
• discussing beliefs respectfully
• making comparisons between religions and worldviews
• reflecting on their own ideas and values
• considering moral and ethical issues
• explaining and justifying opinions thoughtfully

Children are encouraged to discuss, debate and reflect so that they develop confidence in expressing ideas while showing empathy and respect for others.

Language, vocabulary and communication

Developing subject-specific vocabulary is an important part of our Religious Education curriculum. Pupils are taught to use accurate religious and philosophical language when discussing and recording their ideas.

Opportunities for discussion and reflection are built into lessons so that pupils can:
• explain beliefs and practices
• discuss similarities and differences
• ask and answer thoughtful questions
• reflect on values and experiences
• communicate ideas respectfully and clearly

Working walls, key vocabulary and discussion prompts support pupils in articulating their understanding confidently.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

At Abbey Park Primary School, Religious Education is closely linked to our wider school values and our commitment to inclusion through the No Outsiders curriculum. Through carefully chosen texts, discussion and reflection, pupils learn that everyone is welcome and valued within our school community.

The No Outsiders curriculum supports children in understanding:
• diversity and inclusion
• respect for different beliefs, cultures and families
• equality and protected characteristics
• kindness, empathy and belonging
• how to challenge stereotypes and discrimination respectfully

These themes are explored alongside Religious Education to help pupils develop understanding, tolerance and respect for others in modern Britain. Children are encouraged to celebrate differences, reflect on their own identity and recognise the importance of treating everyone fairly and with kindness.

This approach supports our pupils in becoming respectful, compassionate and open-minded citizens who understand that there are no outsiders at Abbey Park Primary School.

Making connections

Where appropriate, Religious Education is linked to other curriculum subjects and wider life experiences to deepen understanding and relevance.

Pupils make connections through:
• visits to places of worship
• visitors from different faith communities
• links to history, geography and PSHE
• links to the No Outsiders curriculum
• exploring cultural traditions and celebrations
• discussing current issues and moral questions
• reflecting on diversity within Britain and the wider world

This helps pupils understand the importance of respect, tolerance and inclusion within society.

Applying learning

Pupils are given regular opportunities to apply and deepen their understanding through:
• discussion and debate
• enquiry-based investigations
• reflective writing and artwork
• role play and storytelling
• comparing beliefs and traditions
• collaborative learning activities

Lessons encourage pupils to think deeply, ask questions and reflect on their own understanding of the world.

Assessment and progress

Assessment in Religious Education is ongoing and used to inform teaching and support progress. Teachers:
• assess understanding through discussion and questioning
• monitor pupils’ ability to explain and reflect on beliefs and ideas
• identify misconceptions and adapt teaching accordingly
• assess knowledge, vocabulary and enquiry skills
• monitor progress through formative assessment and pupil voice

Assessment focuses on both knowledge and pupils’ ability to think critically and reflect thoughtfully.

What pupils achieve

By the end of Year 7, pupils at Abbey Park Primary School:
• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a range of religions and worldviews
• show respect and empathy towards others’ beliefs and values
• ask thoughtful questions and reflect deeply on important issues
• make connections between beliefs, values and everyday life
• communicate ideas clearly using appropriate vocabulary
• understand the importance of diversity, inclusion and mutual respect

They leave primary school as respectful, reflective and informed individuals, well prepared to live in a diverse and multicultural society.

Inclusion

Our Religious Education curriculum is designed so that all pupils can access and succeed in learning. Teaching is adapted to meet the needs of all learners through:
• scaffolding and visual support
• discussion-based learning opportunities
• carefully selected stories and resources
• adapted questioning and modelling
• practical and experiential activities
• targeted support and challenge

This inclusive approach ensures that every child can develop understanding, respect and confidence within Religious Education, regardless of their starting point.