Winshill Village
Religious Education
Subject Leader: Mrs M. Dickerson
“Religions are different roads converging to the same point. What does it matter if we take different roads as long as we reach the same goal? In reality, there are as many different religions as there are individuals.” Gandhi
Vision
At Winshill Village Primary and Nursery School, we intend to give children valuable insights into the diverse beliefs and opinions held by people today. We aim to ensure all our children have the knowledge and skills to succeed in life through the experiences we provide so that they can all become empathetic and creative thinkers. We encourage our pupils to be motivated when learning about British values and whilst developing spiritual, moral, social and cultural understanding. Our RE curriculum enables pupils to learn through talk and learn to talk about the world around them. The children learn through developing their disciplinary (ways of knowing), substantive (knowing about) and personal knowledge (knowing themselves). We intend to ensure that our children understand what religion can teach us; what it means to be a religious believer; engage in meaningful discussion about religion; exemplifying tolerance, and an interest in the way of life of others; and religiously articulate their thoughts and feelings. We teach our children that everyone has different opinions and beliefs, and that people can agree and disagree with each other and by doing so, we set them up for the next stages in their life.
Aims and Goals:
At Winshill Village Primary and Nursery School, our Religious Education (RE) curriculum provides children with valuable insights into the diverse beliefs, values and traditions that shape the world today.
We aim to nurture empathetic, respectful and creative thinkers, equipping all children with the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to succeed in life and contribute positively to society.
Through RE, pupils are encouraged to explore British values while developing their spiritual, moral, social and cultural awareness. Learning is discussion-based, helping children to learn through talk and to talk about the world around them with curiosity and respect.
Our curriculum develops:
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Disciplinary knowledge – understanding how we study religion and belief;
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Substantive knowledge – learning about different religions, worldviews and key concepts;
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Personal knowledge – reflecting on their own beliefs, values and sense of identity.
We want our children to understand what religion can teach us, what it means to be a religious believer, and how faith and worldviews influence people’s lives. Pupils are encouraged to engage in meaningful discussion, show tolerance and interest in the lives of others, and express their thoughts and feelings with confidence and respect.
At Winshill, we teach our children that everyone has different opinions and beliefs — and that it’s possible to agree, disagree, and still show kindness and understanding. This prepares them well for the next stages of their education and life in a diverse world.
Curriculum
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
In the Early Years, children begin their Religious Education journey through engaging, play-based learning experiences.
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In Reception, children take part in a weekly whole-class RE session, followed by a linked activity — either an independent task within enhanced provision or a focused adult-led activity.
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Enhanced provision gives children opportunities to explore their learning through art, writing, storytelling, and drama, encouraging creativity and curiosity.
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Children explore artefacts and objects from a range of cultures and religions, helping them build respect and understanding for different beliefs and traditions.
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Throughout the year, children learn about and celebrate a variety of religious and cultural events such as Christmas, Easter, Ramadan, Chinese New Year, and Diwali, developing awareness of the celebrations that take place in the wider world.
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In both Nursery and Reception, pupils enjoy a broad selection of stories, non-fiction, rhymes, and poems that foster understanding of our culturally, socially, and ecologically diverse world.
Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2
From Year 1 to Year 6, Religious Education remains an important part of our broad and balanced curriculum.
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RE is timetabled weekly (one hour per week) and is an entitlement for all pupils.
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We follow the Agreed Staffordshire Syllabus and deliver lessons using Jigsaw RE, adapted to reflect the needs, context, and values of our Winshill Village pupils.
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Our long-term plan ensures clear progression of knowledge and skills across year groups.
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Christianity is taught throughout all year groups, alongside learning about other major world religions and worldviews, promoting understanding, respect, and appreciation of diversity.
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Each unit begins with an enquiry question that encourages pupils to explore, discuss, and reflect on their own experiences and ideas.
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Lessons are interactive and discussion-based, allowing pupils to learn through talk and to talk about religion, belief, and values.
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A range of approaches are used — including art, drama, music, and writing — to meet different learning styles and make learning meaningful.
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Religious artefacts and resources provide first-hand experiences that deepen understanding.
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Strong links are made to British Values, helping children to see how RE connects to everyday life and society.
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Pupils learn about difference and diversity through awareness days, assemblies, theme weeks, and quality texts.
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We build strong community links through visits to local places of worship and care homes, and by welcoming visitors into school to share their experiences.
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Through RE, pupils learn about Christianity as a living faith that influences lives around the world and shapes British culture and heritage. They also explore other major world religions and worldviews, understanding their impact on society and culture.
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Pupils develop the ability to make sense of religious texts and teachings, to understand their meaning, and to reflect on how these ideas influence believers and their own lives.
Cross-Curricular
At Winshill Village Primary and Nursery School, Religious Education is closely connected to other areas of learning, particularly PSHE and the teaching of British Values. From the Early Years onwards, children are encouraged to respect differences, value equality, and celebrate diversity. These cross-curricular links strengthen and enrich our RE curriculum, helping pupils to develop the knowledge, empathy, and values they need to thrive both in school and in the wider world.
Documents and Useful Links
RE Subject Overview
RE Long Term Plan
