Intent
At Larwood School, the aim of Religious Education (RE), taught as Knowledge of the World (KOTW), is to help children acquire and develop knowledge and understanding of Christianity and the other principal religions represented in the UK and around the world, including Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Judaism, and Buddhism.
We want pupils to appreciate how religious beliefs shape lives and behaviours and develop the ability to make reasoned and informed judgements about religious and moral issues. Exposure to a wide range of religions and cultures helps children understand and respect the beliefs, values, and traditions of individuals, societies, and communities beyond their own.
KOTW plays an important role in promoting pupils’ spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, helping them understand how people choose to live and why they make those choices. Our aim is to foster curiosity, respect, and tolerance, equipping pupils to engage positively with diversity in modern society.
Implementation
Religious Education is taught through an enquiry-based approach during Knowledge of the World Weeks each half-term, as well as through assemblies and PSHE lessons.
Christianity is taught in every year group, and other world religions are introduced and explored through thematic links to class topics. For example, pupils may study Islam during Ramadan, Hinduism during Diwali, or Judaism when learning about festivals and traditions.
Children of all faiths and those with no faith are encouraged to value everyone and their beliefs equally linking this to the British Value – Tolerance of other faiths and beliefs. Assemblies focus on celebration and reflection, promoting respect and understanding across the school community.
Learning is practical and engaging, including activities such as art, cooking, visits to places of worship, and meeting faith leaders. Pupils demonstrate their understanding through writing, posters, presentations, or videos. Termly assessments and pupil voice activities help teachers plan next steps and ensure progress.
Children also take part in significant religious and cultural events throughout the year, such as performing the Nativity, celebrating Easter, and learning about at least one major festival from a non-Christian faith, such as Ramadan or Diwali.
We make no assumptions about pupils’ religious backgrounds and treat all faiths with respect and sensitivity, encouraging families to share their experiences where appropriate.
Impact
By the end of primary school, pupils will have explored and questioned a range of world religions and developed an understanding of their key beliefs, practices, and values. They will be able to make connections between their own lives and those of others, demonstrating respect and tolerance for different cultures and ways of life.
Impact is measured through:
Termly assessments of understanding and vocabulary
Pupil conferencing and questionnaires
Monitoring work samples and classroom displays
Observations during assemblies and KOTW activities
Children leave Larwood with a positive attitude towards diversity, an ability to discuss religious and moral issues thoughtfully, and respectful behaviour that extends beyond school into the wider community.
