Intent

At Bearbrook, we aim to nurture thoughtful, respectful, and open-minded learners who are curious about the world around them. Through the Kapow Religion and Worldviews curriculum, our pupils are encouraged to explore a wide range of beliefs and worldviews in a way that is relevant, reflective, and inclusive. Our curriculum supports children in developing a deep understanding of religious and non-religious worldviews, preparing them for life in modern Britain and helping them to find their own place within a diverse and ever-changing society.

Rooted in our school values of respect, empowerment, nurture, trust, and integrity, Religion and Worldviews at Bearbrook gives children the opportunity to ask big questions, challenge their thinking, and reflect on their own beliefs and experiences. Through engaging and age-appropriate lessons, pupils build conceptual knowledge by studying a range of worldviews at local, national, and global levels. This enables them to make meaningful connections, understand lived experiences, and appreciate the richness of different traditions and perspectives.

The curriculum has been carefully designed to support progression from Early Years to the end of Key Stage 2. In EYFS, children begin to develop their understanding of the world through stories, celebrations, and discussion, working towards key developmental goals. As pupils move through the school, they revisit important questions, build on prior learning, and develop disciplinary skills that help them to evaluate, analyse, and reflect with increasing confidence and sensitivity.

Our curriculum ensures that children meet national guidance, which states that RE should reflect that ‘the religious traditions in Great Britain are, in the main, Christian, while also taking account of the principal religions represented’. At Bearbrook, we go further—supporting pupils to explore their own worldviews, develop empathy, and become thoughtful and respectful citizens of the world.

Implementation

At Bearbrook, our Religion and Worldviews (R&W) curriculum, based on the Kapow Primary scheme, supports children in becoming curious, reflective, and respectful learners who are open to exploring different beliefs and perspectives. Rooted in the Ofsted RE Research Review, the curriculum develops three key strands:
✔ Substantive knowledge – understanding religious and non-religious worldviews
✔ Disciplinary knowledge – exploring ways of knowing and enquiry
✔ Personal knowledge – reflecting on personal beliefs and positionality

These strands are interwoven across all units, allowing pupils to build deep understanding through hands-on, engaging lessons and ‘big questions’ such as Why are we here? and How can we live together in harmony if we have different worldviews?

The curriculum follows a spiral model, revisiting and building on key concepts over time. From EYFS, where children explore their own beliefs and those of their families, to Key Stage 2, where a broader range of global religions and worldviews are studied, pupils develop the knowledge, skills, and empathy needed to thrive in a diverse world.

Each unit includes a focused enquiry question, and pupils are encouraged to explore links across faiths, compare practices, and express their personal responses. Christmas and Easter lesson collections, one per year group, offer optional opportunities to deepen understanding.

All lessons include adaptation guidance, knowledge organisers, and subject knowledge support for teachers. Staff are supported through CPD resources, especially in handling sensitive or controversial topics. Children are taught how to engage in respectful dialogue, listen with empathy, and express their views thoughtfully—key skills for becoming compassionate, global citizens.

At Bearbrook, R&W helps pupils grow in understanding, confidence, and respect for the rich diversity of the world around them.

Religion and World Views - Long-term plan

Knowledge and Skills Progression

SACRE Buckinghamshire Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education

Parental Withdrawal from Religion and World Views