Religion and World Views (RWV)

Religion and World Views (RWV) is a core subject at our school and we follow the Lincolnshire Locally Agreed Syllabus 2018-2023 and the Understanding Christianity resource created by the Church of England. As a Church School, although Christianity forms the major theme in RWV lessons, we have a duty to foster an accurate and increasing understanding of other religions. It contributes to the ethos and values of the school and supports the school’s aims. 

We have chosen to follow the guidance in the Lincolnshire Locally Agreed Syllabus to teach Christianity, Islam and Hinduism. We follow a carefully planned spiral curriculum which begins in EYFS and progresses through to Key Stage 2.

As a result, our pupils gain a greater insight into the world in which they are growing up. They are also able to appreciate the faith of others and develop a deeper understanding of their own beliefs and practices.

We aim to ensure that the children:

• gain a sound knowledge of the Christian faith based on the teachings of the Bible, particularly those of the New Testament.
• develop a sense of wonder, awe, curiosity and mystery,
• learn to ask and provide answers to BIG questions which are puzzling and difficult to answer or where not everyone agrees on the answer,
• develop a sense of respect, sensitivity and cultural awareness and to develop a respect for the rights of other people to hold views and beliefs that are different from their own. This includes developing an awareness of other faiths.

We also aim to:

• instil a sense of self worth and sustain children's self esteem.
• provide children with opportunities for spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.
• encourage children to make informed decisions and to accept responsibility for the consequences of their choices.
• enable children to explore our shared human experience and the questions of meaning and purpose which arise from our shared experiences.
• develop the ability of pupils to think about, and develop for themselves, beliefs and values by which they can live, through studying concepts like celebration, the sacred, authority, religious belief and lifestyle and through exploring the fundamental questions of life.

Children are taught RWV by their class teacher as part of the wider school curriculum. Where appropriate, RWV is integrated into other areas of the curriculum in a cross-curricular approach and linked with our school values of respect, compassion and honesty. For instance RWV may be taught and explored through art, drama, music, story and discussion.

Activities are planned to encourage participation by all children at a level appropriate to their ability.

A range of artefacts, pictures, photos, posters, videos, visits and visitors will be used to support the children’s learning. We have strong links with St Wulfram’s Church and children regularly visit the church as part of their RWV studies e.g. when exploring baptism or places of worship. The clergy and other members of the community at St Wulfram’s are willing to meet with the children and be involved with Religious Education. 

We aim to provide each child with the opportunity to achieve his or her potential regardless of economic and social background. We endeavour to do this by promoting the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of children. Working alongside parents and the community, we aim to prepare children for a happy and successful future, creating lifelong learners.

We want every child to leave Little Gonerby Academy knowing they are amazing, loved, valued, wonderful and unique, because God made them that way. We also teach children the personal qualities and characteristics that Jesus developed during his teaching. We encourage our children to be motivated, persistent, confident, resourceful, communicative and organised.

‘Anything is possible if a person believes’ Mark 9:23

Religion and World Views-Intent, implementation and impact

Intent

At Little Gonerby Primary Academy, we believe that RWV has an important role to play as part of a broad, balanced and coherent curriculum to which all pupils are entitled.
It provides a positive context in which the diversity of cultures, beliefs and values in society can be celebrated and explored. 
RWV provides an opportunity to promote an ethos of respect for others. Lessons ensure that our children grow to become tolerant and respectful citizens, who appreciate that everybody has their own set of beliefs and values and that these may differ from their own. 
Our curriculum encourages children to ask and reflect on challenging questions and provides opportunities for personal reflection where children can explore their own beliefs and opinions in a safe and supportive environment. The RWV curriculum forms part of our school’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural teaching.

Implementation

We follow the Programme of Study for RWV suggested in the Lincolnshire Agreed Syllabus and Understanding Christianity and have a scheme of work that reflects this for each Key Stage.

In Key Stage 1, the children are taught through the three elements of RWV: Living, Thinking and Believing. At Key Stage 1, the children are introduced to the beliefs and features of Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Judaism. 

They are also taught about other thematic concepts such as why people use ritual in their lives, how and why religious people show care for others and how those with a religious faith care for the environment.

Long term plans ensure that there is progression throughout the school and that the children build upon knowledge gained in previous years. Where possible, teaching is supplemented with trips to places of worship or visits from people from faith communities

                                                              
Impact

Our RWV curriculum is high quality, well thought out and is planned to demonstrate progression. 

Children demonstrate a positive attitude towards people of any religion and show an understanding of cultural beliefs different to their own. 

They are respectful when meeting visitors from a variety of faith groups. 

We measure the impact of our curriculum by reflecting on the standards achieved against the planned outcomes, and through pupil discussions about their learning, which includes discussion of their thoughts, ideas and opinions surrounding RWV.