Chesham Bois CE School

Religion and Worldviews

Religion and Worldviews Intent

Our Christian vision is based at the heart of all our curriculum and all we do with the children and the community of our school. As a school, in Religion and Worldviews we aim to develop our pupils as individuals and members of the society in which they live, by fostering a reflective approach to life in the context of a growing understanding of experiences, attitudes, beliefs and religious practices.

Religion and Worldviews has a high profile at school, is timetabled weekly and is considered an important and vital part of the curriculum.  It;

• Contributes much to the SMSC development of the children in our care working hand in hand with our PHSE curriculum
• Prayer associated with our Christian values offers a firm foundation for the children’s reflective approach to their work, behaviour and approach to life
• Increases the children’s tolerance, respect and understanding of others both within their community and beyond
• Develops their understanding of right and wrong, gives them the opportunity to reflect on moral and ethical issues in an age appropriate way
• Helps them develop and explore their own personal beliefs and develops a sense of belonging within a safe and caring environment
• It helps children learn from and about different religions and faiths and develop their own worldviews
• Builds empathy, enquiry, expression and reasoning skills
• It develops their knowledge, religious literacy and personal understanding of Christianity.

The School’s intent is to provide robust teaching so that children gain knowledge and understanding of a range of religious and non-religious worldviews, appreciating the complexity, diversity, continuity and change that exists within those worldviews being studied and are equipped to grapple with questions of meaning and purpose raised by human existence and experience.

Religion and Worldviews Implementation

Chesham Bois CE School Religion and Worldviews curriculum is informed by the Bucks Agreed Syllabus 2022-27, which was created in conjunction with the Bucks SACRE (School Advisory Council for Religious Education).  It is the legal basis for Religion and Worldviews in Bucks, teaching in line with the law and fulfils our statutory duties with regards to Religion and Worldviews.  Using the Oxford Diocesan Board of Education (ODBE) scheme of work and Understanding Christianity we have developed our curriculum to ensure children are given creative and experiential opportunities to learn.

The main focus of our curriculum is Christianity with Hinduism, Judaism and Islam being studied thematically in Years 1 to 6, with UKS2 also reflecting on non-religious worldviews. The reception class curriculum is also informed by the EYFS framework (Understanding the World and Personal Social and Emotional Development).  Reception will actively participate in collective worship with the whole school, as they gradually join whole school assemblies.

To really place the child at the centre of the learning within our creative curriculum we use not only books, internet resources but leverage art, drama, visuals, artefacts, music and external visitors to make our Religion and Worldviews curriculum come alive.  The children will also have the opportunity to visit places of worship, such as local churches and a mosque.

We recognise the importance of the link between Religion and Worldviews, our strong Christian values and collective worship.  The Christian year informs a framework for collective worship and termly picture reflections, alongside other faith’s major celebrations (i.e. Diwali, Eid, Hannukah).  Bible stories are also shared by our local Open the Bible group every Wednesday in an interactive and captivating way.

We use a range of teaching and learning styles to meet our Religion and Worldviews Curriculum, including using the following three disciplinary lens’ characters to enable children to explore their personal worldviews and their own religious or non-religious, spiritual and philosophical ways of living, believing and thinking. 

We use a wide range or resources to inspire and engage the children in RE including; books, art, creative writing, discussion and debates, artefacts, stories, videos, music/song/dance and drama and regular trips to St. Leonards Church and other local places of worship such as the Mosque and local churches of different denominations. We also actively engage with our school community and encourage visitors from the Christian faith, as well as other faiths.

The Christian Year forms an important framework to Religion and Worldviews teaching and learning both inside and outside the classroom, as will daily collective worship and Open the Bible Assemblies. 

Religion and Worldviews Impact

Children will develop the confidence to express and reflect upon their own beliefs, values, experiences and worldviews while recognising and respecting the rights of others to hold different perspectives.  They will become thoughtful and reflective learners with a secure understanding of Christian beliefs, values, teachings, stories and practices, and their significance within faith communities.

Children will develop a strong sense of identity, belonging and self-awareness, enabling them to make meaning of their place in an increasingly diverse world, enabling them to show respect, empathy and tolerance towards people of all faiths and worldviews, appreciating diversity and understanding the importance of living harmoniously within local, national and global communities.

Key Outcomes

• Confidently discuss and reflect on beliefs, values and worldviews.
• Understand and appreciate Christianity and other faiths and worldviews.
• Develop a sense of personal identity and belonging.
• Show respect, empathy and understanding towards others.
• Recognise and celebrate diversity in the wider world.