At South Ascot Village School, Religious Education helps our pupils understand the diverse beliefs, values, and traditions that shape our world. Using the scheme from Kapow, we provide an engaging, enquiry-led curriculum that encourages children to explore big questions, think deeply, and appreciate different worldviews. Our approach promotes respect, curiosity, empathy, and personal reflection, preparing pupils to play a positive role in our modern, multicultural society

The aim of Religious Education is to help all pupils develop a broad understanding of the beliefs, values, and traditions that shape our diverse local, national, and global communities. As a community primary school, our RE curriculum is non-confessional and is designed to educate rather than indoctrinate, promoting respect, curiosity, and thoughtful engagement with different worldviews.

Our curriculum intends to:

1. Foster Respect and Understanding

We teach pupils about a range of religious and non-religious worldviews so they can appreciate diversity, challenge stereotypes, and understand the beliefs and practices of others. This supports pupils in becoming empathetic, respectful citizens in a multicultural society.

2. Promote Critical Thinking and Enquiry

Through questioning, discussion, and reflection, pupils learn to think deeply about the “big questions” of life—identity, morality, meaning, and belonging. We encourage them to form their own viewpoints while understanding how others might come to different conclusions.

3. Celebrate Community and Shared Values

Our RE curriculum emphasises shared human values such as kindness, fairness, courage, and responsibility. Pupils explore how these values are expressed across different traditions and within their own lives.

4. Develop Knowledge of Key Religions and Worldviews

Pupils build a secure, age-appropriate knowledge of major world religions and non-religious perspectives, following the agreed local syllabus. This includes learning about beliefs, festivals, sacred places, symbolism, stories, and ways of living.

5. Encourage Personal Reflection and Growth

RE provides a safe space for pupils to reflect on their own experiences, beliefs, and feelings. We encourage confidence, self-awareness, and respectful self-expression.

6. Prepare Pupils for Life in Modern Britain

Through learning about diversity, equality, and shared values, pupils gain the skills and attitudes needed to navigate a pluralistic society. RE contributes directly to pupils’ spiritual, moral, social, and cultural (SMSC) development and supports the principles of British Values.

Statement of Implementation

Religious Education is delivered in line with the locally agreed syllabus and taught as part of a broad, balanced, and inclusive curriculum. Our implementation ensures that all pupils develop secure knowledge, understanding, and skills within RE.

1. Curriculum Structure

RE is taught regularly in every year group, following a clear progression of knowledge and skills from EYFS to Year 6. Units cover major world religions and non-religious worldviews, ensuring balance and breadth. Learning is sequenced to build on prior knowledge, revisiting key concepts such as belief, celebration, belonging, and morality.

2. Inclusive and Engaging Teaching Approaches

Teachers use a mix of approaches, including storytelling, artefacts, enquiry-led learning, discussion, art, drama, and visits/visitors. Lessons are designed to be accessible to all pupils, with adaptations made to support diverse learning needs. Pupils are encouraged to ask questions, discuss their ideas, and compare different viewpoints respectfully.

3. Enquiry-Based Learning

Each unit is driven by a “big question” to stimulate curiosity and deeper thinking. Children investigate how beliefs influence values, behaviour, and ways of life. Pupils learn how to interpret religious sources, identify symbolism, and understand how beliefs affect individuals and communities.

4. Developing Vocabulary and Concepts

Key vocabulary is introduced, revisited, and embedded throughout the curriculum. Teachers explicitly teach concepts such as worship, faith, community, tradition, and morality. Knowledge organisers and classroom displays support retention of key learning.

5. Assessment for Learning

Teachers assess pupils’ understanding through discussion, written work, creative responses, and quizzes. Assessment is used to inform planning and ensure misconceptions are addressed quickly. End-of-unit outcomes help track progress in knowledge, reflection, and enquiry skills.

Statement of Impact

Through our approach to RE, pupils develop into thoughtful, respectful, and well-informed learners who are ready to contribute positively to modern society.

1. Knowledge and Understanding

Pupils gain an age-appropriate, accurate understanding of a range of world religions and non-religious worldviews. They can describe beliefs, practices, symbolism, festivals, and ways of living with increasing confidence and accuracy.

2. Respect, Empathy, and Social Awareness

Pupils demonstrate respect for the beliefs and values of others and can explain why understanding diversity is important. They can engage in meaningful dialogue, listen thoughtfully, and express their own views in a considerate way.

3. Critical Thinking and Enquiry Skills

Children can explore and discuss “big questions,” offering balanced and reasoned responses. They are able to consider different viewpoints, use evidence, and reflect on how beliefs influence choices and behaviours.

4. Personal Reflection and Growth

Pupils develop self-awareness and the ability to reflect on their own experiences, values, and sense of identity. They show increased confidence in expressing their thoughts and understanding what matters to them.

5. Progress and Achievement

Regular assessment enables pupils to meet or exceed age-related expectations. Those with SEND or additional needs make good progress due to inclusive teaching and personalised support.

6. Preparation for Life in Modern Britain

Pupils leave South Ascot Village School equipped with the understanding, tolerance, and cultural knowledge needed to contribute to a diverse and democratic society. RE contributes significantly to SMSC development and helps pupils appreciate shared values such as kindness, fairness, and responsibility.