Wood Farm Religious Education
At Wood Farm Primary School, Religious Education helps children understand themselves, other people and the diverse world in which they live.
We are proud of our rich and multicultural community. Through Religious Education, children learn about different religions, beliefs, traditions and worldviews, while also exploring the values, experiences and aspirations that people share. We believe that understanding one another is one of the most important ways we can build an inclusive, respectful and connected community. Based on the Oxfordshire Agreed Syllabus, our curriculum explores Christianity alongside a range of other religious and non-religious worldviews.
RE encourages children to ask and discuss life's big questions:
- Who am I?
- What do people believe and why?
- What gives life meaning and purpose?
- How should we treat others and the world around us?
- What brings people together despite their differences?
Through this learning, children develop knowledge, empathy, curiosity and respect. They learn to celebrate diversity, challenge stereotypes and appreciate both what makes people different and what brings us together.
At Wood Farm, we believe RE helps children become thoughtful, informed and compassionate citizens who are ready to thrive in modern Britain and an increasingly interconnected world.
Celebrating Diversity and Belonging
Our RE curriculum is closely linked to our wider commitment to community, belonging and cultural understanding.
Children are encouraged to:
- learn about a wide range of beliefs, traditions and ways of life
- recognise and celebrate the diversity within our school and wider community
- understand both similarities and differences between people
- listen respectfully to different viewpoints
- reflect on their own identity, values and experiences
- appreciate how people from different backgrounds can live, learn and achieve together
Through discussion, enquiry and shared experiences, pupils learn that diversity is something to be celebrated while recognising the shared humanity that connects us all.
What Children Learn to Do
Throughout their time at Wood Farm, children develop three key areas of learning:
Knowledge and Understanding
Children learn about Christianity, other religions and non-religious worldviews. They explore beliefs, practices, traditions and the ways these influence people's lives.
Reflection and Personal Meaning
Children reflect on their own experiences, beliefs and values while considering questions about meaning, purpose and identity.
Discussion and Reasoning
Children learn to express their views, listen respectfully to others, use evidence to support their thinking and engage in thoughtful debate.
Learning progresses from sharing simple ideas and observations in Key Stage 1 to analysing, evaluating and justifying viewpoints by the end of Year 6.
Religions and Worldviews Studied
| Phase | Religions and Worldviews |
|---|---|
| Key Stage 1 | Christianity, Judaism |
| Lower Key Stage 2 | Christianity, Islam, Hinduism |
| Upper Key Stage 2 | Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Humanism and other worldviews |
Children also regularly consider their own beliefs and values, helping them develop a strong sense of identity and belonging within their local, national and global communities.
Through RE, We Aim for Children to Become:
Curious about the world around them
Respectful of different beliefs, cultures and traditions
Confident communicators who can discuss important ideas thoughtfully
Empathetic individuals who value and celebrate diversity
Active members of their community who understand the importance of belonging
Responsible citizens who appreciate both the diversity and shared values of modern Britain
Global citizens who understand their place in an interconnected world
At Wood Farm, Religious Education is not about telling children what to believe. It is about helping them understand beliefs, cultures, values and worldviews, while developing the knowledge, respect and understanding needed to contribute positively to their communities and the wider world.
What you will see:
- Children exploring big questions about life, beliefs and values.
- Respectful discussion where different viewpoints are welcomed.
- Learning about a range of religions, cultures and worldviews.
- Reflection on identity, belonging and what matters to people.
- Children making connections between beliefs, values and everyday life.
- Celebrations of diversity within our school, local community and wider world.
What you will hear:
- Children exploring big questions about life, beliefs and values.
- Respectful discussion where different viewpoints are welcomed.
- Learning about a range of religions, cultures and worldviews.
- Reflection on identity, belonging and what matters to people.
- Children making connections between beliefs, values and everyday life.
- Celebrations of diversity within our school, local community and wider world.
Click here for our Religious Education progression statements
