In RWV we aim to enable children to understand the nature of religion through an understanding of explicit religious beliefs and practices, and implicit questions of meaning and value.
Aims
We live in a multi-cultural society, and it is essential that we study the major world religions that represent the diverse beliefs of our population, as well as recognising that Christianity underpins the British constitution and has a significant influence in the cultural heritage of the United Kingdom. In an increasingly interconnected world, it is also important to recognise how different systems of belief share common values, and in many cases, common histories.
Objectives
Religion and World Views is about Awareness, Mystery and Value.
At HJS our intention is that pupils develop a deeper awareness of their own and others’ identities, to wrestle with the mysteries of life and the answers given by a wide variety of religions and beliefs and to develop a clear sense of what is of real value today. Pupils demonstrate curiosity about people of faith and commitment who have changed individual lives, society and culture. Pupils make connections between different aspects of religion and consider the beliefs, teachings, practices and ways of life central to religion. They begin to recognise diversity in religion, learning about similarities and differences and the importance of dialogue between them.
The RWV curriculum:
- promotes the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils.
- prepares pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life, including learning about British Values.
Pupils focus on:
- what may be learnt ABOUT religious and non- religious worldviews: the study of key beliefs, teachings, practices and sources of expression.
- what may be learnt FROM religious and non- religious worldviews: the study of identities (awareness), big questions of life (mystery) and people’s deeply held commitments (value).
Parents, staff members and religious leaders, from a range of religious backgrounds, are regularly invited to speak to the children in class or assemblies to share their own experiences and personal practices, for example, how and why they celebrate Passover in the Jewish faith.
Planning and delivery
RWV is taught in an enquiry based approach. It recognises the largely secular nature of society and draws on the experience of those members of the community with different religious faiths.
We use the North Somerset and Bristol version of SACRE's Awe, Wonder and Values scheme of work, adapted to map it to our topic plan. We provide guidance to teachers on how to adapt the lesson plans and how to assess children’s learning.
Cross curricular links
Religion and World Views links to many different areas of the HJS curriculum, such as Geography, History, Art and Music. Where possible and meaningful, the units of study are linked to reinforce both knowledge and skills of both areas. Many of the RWV units allow the children to find out more about places around the world and develop their Geography knowledge. The children are also able to explore Art from different beliefs and cultures and produce their own creatives pieces of work. Studying each religion also further develops the children’s chronological and historical knowledge, allowing them to understand what was happening in the past.
Equal opportunities and inclusion
RWV is a subject which lends itself to the celebration of all of our minority ethnic and religious groups. It gives them a sense of agency and prestige to teach their peers and their teachers about their beliefs. We invite guest visitors to do assemblies, class workshops and discussion groups. We value the learning that children do about their religious beliefs and practises outside of school. We make links with local community groups and religious leaders.