Religious Education Curriculum Intent 

At Wellstead Primary School, Religious Education will equip children with the knowledge, skills and understanding to answer challenging questions. Through our Religious Education curriculum, children will have respect for diversity and become mindful members of the global community. We provide a range of religious encounters which will help children form a view of the world that they can apply to their own experiences. Our Religious Education curriculum gives children frequent opportunities to explore their own and other’s beliefs. 

At Wellstead, Religious Education is taught each half term and is planned in line with the agreed syllabus for Hampshire, Living Difference IV. We follow the recommended time allocation of 36 hours for Key Stage 1 children and 45 hours per year for Key Stage 2 children. 

In Key Stage 1 we study Christianity and Hinduism. Key Stage 2 children will continue to study Christianity as well as Sikhism in Years 3 and 4. In Years 5 and 6 children will continue to study Christianity alongside studying Islam and Humanism. Religious Education is taught as a discrete subject and is concept driven as well as covering a golden thread concept. Each Religious Education learning journey has a key enquiry question and this is explored through an enquiry cycle approach. Concepts are taught progressively, embedding core knowledge and skills, supporting recall of key information.  

In EYFS, our Religious Education curriculum allows children to respond with curiosity and explore the world around them. As set out in the Hampshire Living Difference IV, children in EYFS are taught through discrete Religious Education sessions. We follow the recommended time allocation of 36 hours for EYFS. Children in the EYFS explore religious concepts through discussion, stories and creative opportunities. They have time to reflect on what concepts mean to themselves and others. Children in the EYFS explore the religions Christianity and Hinduism, laying the foundational knowledge and skills to be able to move forward into Key Stage 1. 

Religious Education directly brings our school values to life by inspiring pupils to explore the diverse world around them. Through curiosity, children ask deep questions about faiths, beliefs, and world views, fostering an eager, open mindset. Children are given opportunities to work collaboratively together in discussions and group projects, they share ideas and listen to different perspectives, learning that varied insights enrich everyone's understanding. In doing so, pupils develop respect for traditions, values, and cultures that differ from their own, building empathy and inclusion. Children are provided with opportunities to ask big moral questions and more complex philosophical concepts which help in turn to build resilience and encourage them to reflect thoughtfully when faced with challenging ideas. We support our children to learn how beliefs shape actions, inspiring them to care for others and contribute positively to their community. Ultimately, R.E encourages aspirational thinking, motivating children to become compassionate, open-minded, and reflective individuals who strive to make a meaningful difference.

Collective worship takes place daily at Wellstead Primary School - either in class, year groups, key stage or as a whole school. Our Thursday religious assemblies follow a long-term plan and are of a broadly Christian character. Once a month, we hold an ‘Open the Book’ assembly where Bible stories are shared in a way that is fun, interactive and memorable.