Religious Education encourages the interpretation of and the response to a variety of religious concepts, beliefs and practices within a pupil’s own and others’ cultural and life experiences. Here at Wellow, we support the development of our pupil’s own values and provide experiences that contribute to their spiritual, social and cultural development. From the earliest opportunity we promote a sense of awe and wonder through first hand experiences and make continual use of our fantastic school grounds.

The R.E. curriculum at Wellow is taught in accordance with the legal requirements of the Agreed Syllabus for Hampshire, ‘Living Difference III’. This syllabus places emphasis on the exploration of meaning, purpose and values of different faiths, through a concept driven approach. 

Continuity and progression is ensured through carefully developed medium-term planned units which are delivered half-termly. In Key stage 1, pupils study the faiths of Christianity and Hinduism, in years 3 and 4 it becomes Christianity and Judaism and in years 5 and 6, the pupils study Christianity and Islam.

For children in our Foundation stage, links are made with the Early Learning goals and all younger children at Wellow, discover concepts which are within their own experience such as celebration, specialness and community. The children encounter religious stories, festivals, make use of our artefact collections and engage in art, drama and music. 

In Key stage 2, the units studied focus more on concepts that are common to many religions such as God, worship and symbolism. The concepts are always seen as ‘big ideas’ which lead pupils to embark on journeys of enquiry. Due to the nature of an enquiry, each unit is delivered in blocks of time, rather than in a weekly lesson. This allows for the development of deep thinking about issues surrounding a concept including debates, a chance to explore through art, drama and music, and use ICT to research and present evidence. 

Each year, Key stage 1 present the Christmas Nativity to our parents and throughout the year children from  across year groups lead the Harvest festival and Easter celebration in St Margaret's Church. Many pupils and staff across our 3 schools federation join together in Romsey Abbey in December, to celebrate Advent with singing, readings and a Nativity tableau.

Our overall aim is to ensure that all pupils within Wellow School receive high quality R.E. provision which is meaningful and celebrates diversity. They are then able to make reasoned judgements about religious issues and have respect for others views. They feel comfortable to express their thoughts and listen to others. 

By fostering a responsible and caring attitude towards each other and developing relationships with others in the community, our pupils are prepared for the responsibilities, opportunities and experiences they will encounter throughout their lives.

Teaching safeguarding through Religious Education

At Wellow, through our curriculum we support children to…

• develop objectivity when considering texts and stories
• recognise difference and diversity and learning from this
• develop knowledge of all religions that promote understanding and tolerance
• develop racial awareness and how to talk about it using acceptable language
• resist extremism and prevent radicalisation
• understand traditions, rituals and routines (respecting
• listen to RE stories and texts
• reflect on ethics/morals what is acceptable and not acceptable
• use discussion, debate, circle times (knowing it’s okay not to take part if it’s a sensitive issue) to develop tolerance and wider thinking
• challenge our own beliefs about what happens in the world not necessarily religious views