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 or covers 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. 

RE runs in line with Wellstead’s learning values. Children have the opportunity to demonstrate respect for each other by learning about different beliefs and experiences. Through Religious Education children have frequent opportunities to reflect on their own beliefs and share them with their peers.  In Religious Education children are encouraged to be adaptable and collaborate with their peers while working in a variety of ways, for example, through drama and art. 

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. 

Parents/carers have a right to withdraw their child from any part of the RE curriculum, trip or collective worship.  If you would prefer your child does not participate, please make an appointment with the Headteacher to discuss the RE curriculum further so that you are able to make a fully informed decision.