Plaistow Hill Primary and Nursery School

Plaistow Hill Infant and Primary School

Everyday my daughter is very eager to tell me what she has learnt and is always excited to be going to school

Year 2 Parent

  • "Staff are kind, calm and encouraging - Ofsted, April 2022"
  • "Children flourish in an environment of genuine warmth and care - Ofsted, April 2022"
  • "Pupils in Key Stage 1 are confident, listen to each other, share and take turns - Ofsted, April 2022"
  • "Parents and carers praise the work of the school - Ofsted, April 2022"
  • "One parent expressed the view of many with the comment 'the atmosphere and attitude of all the staff is incredible' - Ofsted, April 2022"
  • "The outdoor learning environment is used effectively to help children co-operate with each other and practise their number knowledge and skills - Ofsted, April 2022"
  • "Pupils are happy at Plaistow Hill Infant and Nursery School - Ofsted, April 2022"
Life at Plaistow Hill Primary and Nursery School Life at Plaistow Hill Primary and Nursery School Life at Plaistow Hill Primary and Nursery School Life at Plaistow Hill Primary and Nursery School Life at Plaistow Hill Primary and Nursery School

Religion and Worldviews Curriculum Overview

 

Intent: Why Do We Teach This?

The Religion and Worldviews curriculum at our school is designed to give all children, no matter their background, a thorough understanding of different religions and worldviews. Here's why:

  • Understanding Sacrifice: We explore the idea of giving up something for others, a common theme in many beliefs. This helps children understand different motivations and impacts on society.
  • Knowledge and Meaning: We look at how religions and beliefs influence the search for truth and meaning in life, shaping human behaviour and ideas about right and wrong.
  • Human Context: We study how people's beliefs and actions are influenced by their time, place, and social context, helping children understand diversity and different perspectives.7

 

What We Aim to Achieve

  • Reflecting Diversity: Our curriculum helps children see themselves and others in the lessons, learning about various beliefs and cultures around the world.
  • Decolonising Content: We ensure our teaching materials are inclusive and represent diverse perspectives meaningfully.
  • Skills Development: Children learn to think and discuss like theologians, philosophers, and social scientists, gaining skills to talk about religion and belief respectfully and knowledgeably.
  • Curiosity and Open-mindedness: We encourage children to be curious about others' beliefs and reflect on their own, fostering a thoughtful and open-minded approach.

 

Implementation: How We Teach This

  • Building on What They Know: We always connect new information to what children have already learned, helping them understand new concepts in a broader context.
  • Gradual Introduction of Concepts: We introduce complex ideas step by step, making sure children understand the basic concepts before moving on to more advanced topics.
  • Personal Reflection: We give children regular opportunities to discuss their own and others' beliefs, helping them understand different perspectives and challenge their preconceptions.

 

Connecting Ideas

  • Thematic Threads: We use recurring themes to connect different aspects of religious and non-religious worldviews, helping children see the bigger picture.

Encouraging Writing

  • Extended Writing: Throughout the curriculum, we provide opportunities for children to write like theologians, philosophers, or social scientists, such as composing balanced arguments on complex topics.

 

Impact: How We Measure Progress

  • Progression Model: We ensure children are making progress by carefully sequencing the curriculum. If they're keeping up, they're progressing.
  • Formative Assessment: We prioritise regular assessments to ensure children understand the material and address any gaps in knowledge.

 

Assessment Methods

  • Lesson Questioning: Teachers check understanding during lessons to fill gaps immediately.
  • Pupil Conferencing: Teachers and school leaders talk with children about their learning, ensuring they connect new knowledge with what they've previously learned.
  • Post-Learning Quizzes: End-of-unit quizzes help us understand what children remember and identify any gaps.
  • Pre-Learning Quizzes: Before starting a new unit, we assess prior knowledge to fill any gaps, ensuring children are ready for new content.

 

Practical Examples

  • Local Context: We adapt the curriculum to reflect our local community. For example, in Year 2, we visit a local church to see evidence of lived religion.
  • Visits and Visitors: We enhance learning with visits from local religious leaders and trips to places of worship, helping children understand different beliefs and practices first hand.

 

By maintaining a well-structured curriculum and using effective assessment methods, we aim to ensure children develop a deep, lasting understanding of religion and worldviews.