Religion and Worldview
At Rivermead, our Religion and Worldviews curriculum nurtures open-minded, thoughtful, and compassionate learners who are confident in exploring big questions about life, faith, and belief.
We aim to develop children’s understanding of different religions and worldviews, encouraging respect, empathy, and acceptance of diversity - locally, nationally, and globally.
Our curriculum supports children in becoming informed, tolerant citizens, aligned with British Values and Rivermead’s curriculum drivers of inquiry, connections, oracy, and community.
We use a 'wonder box' in class to encourage discussion, celebrate questions, and honour each child’s voice. Visits to places of worship and guest speakers enrich our children’s understanding and reflect our commitment to inclusivity and real-world connections.
How we teach religion and worldview
Our RE curriculum follows the Kapow primary scheme, which explores three key strands:
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Substantive knowledge – facts and concepts about religions and worldviews
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Disciplinary knowledge – how we study and explore religions
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Personal knowledge – how beliefs relate to individual understanding and experience
Lessons are enquiry-based and structured around big questions, allowing children to compare, reflect, and explore a wide range of beliefs. The spiral curriculum means key concepts are revisited and deepened as children progress through the school.
The curriculum includes Christianity and a broad range of world religions, including Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Sikhism, and non-religious worldviews, offering inclusive and diverse representations. Each unit is carefully adapted to support all learners and includes engaging, hands-on activities. Teachers are supported through continuing professional development, clear planning, and subject knowledge resources.
Impact
Through our Religion and Worldviews curriculum, children develop:
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A secure knowledge of different beliefs, practices, and values
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Confidence in expressing their own views while respecting others
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The ability to think critically and discuss complex topics thoughtfully
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An appreciation of both shared values and diverse traditions.
Children leave Rivermead with the vocabulary and understanding to explore questions of meaning and belief and to engage respectfully with people from all backgrounds. They are well-prepared for RE in secondary school and life in modern Britain as kind, curious, and globally aware individuals.
Right to withdraw
We encourage all children to take part in RE lessons as this promotes British values including tolerance of different beliefs and faiths, and mutual respect. RE celebrates the diversity we have in our school and community, and we strongly encourage all families to celebrate each other cultures and beliefs.
However, families have the right to withdraw their children from part or all of the religious education curriculum. If you wish to request that your child be withdrawn from part or all of religious education, contact the office: admin@rivermead.wokingham.sch.uk