Religious Education at Hallwood Park Primary School
At Hallwood Park Primary School, we believe that Religious Education plays a vital role in pupils’ personal development and understanding of the world around them. In our context, where many pupils have limited exposure beyond their immediate community, RE is essential in broadening horizons, developing cultural awareness and fostering respect for others.
Through the use of precise vocabulary, structured enquiry and meaningful discussion, Religious Education develops pupils’ ability to ask thoughtful questions, reflect deeply and communicate their ideas clearly. Pupils are supported to explore, analyse and evaluate a range of religious and non-religious worldviews, enabling them to develop their own beliefs and values while showing respect and understanding towards others.
We recognise the importance of inclusivity and ensure that all pupils, regardless of their background, feel represented and valued within our RE curriculum. Our approach promotes tolerance, mutual respect and an appreciation of diversity, preparing pupils for life in modern Britain.
Early Years Foundation Stage
In EYFS, Religious Education is delivered through the Understanding the World area of learning. Children are introduced to a range of religious and cultural celebrations such as Christmas, Diwali and Chinese New Year.
Through stories, discussion and play, pupils begin to:
- develop curiosity about the world and different ways of life
- learn and use new vocabulary linked to celebrations and beliefs
- ask questions and share their own experiences
- begin to understand that people celebrate and live in different ways
This early exposure builds strong foundations for future learning in RE.
Key Stage 1 – Lancashire Agreed Syllabus (“Searching for Meaning”)
At Hallwood Park, Religious Education in Key Stage 1 is delivered through the Lancashire Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education (2021), Searching for Meaning, which is the statutory framework for Halton.
The curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure pupils develop secure foundational knowledge of religions and worldviews, while building the skills needed to engage in simple enquiry and reflection.
Pupils learn to:
- explore key religious stories and understand what they teach believers
- recognise important beliefs, practices and ways of life within different religions
- identify symbols, objects and places that are significant to different faiths
- understand why festivals and celebrations are important to believers
- begin to recognise similarities and differences between religions and their own experiences
- ask and respond to simple questions about belonging, meaning and right and wrong
- develop speaking and listening skills through structured discussion
- use key religious vocabulary accurately and confidently
Teaching is designed to be accessible, engaging and knowledge-rich, ensuring all pupils—including those with limited prior exposure—can succeed.
Key Stage 2 – Opening Worlds Curriculum
In Key Stage 2, Religious Education is delivered through the Opening Worlds curriculum, which provides a rigorous, knowledge-rich and enquiry-driven approach.
The curriculum is carefully structured to ensure pupils deepen their understanding of religions and worldviews over time, building both substantive knowledge and disciplinary thinking.
Pupils engage with a range of high-quality learning experiences, including:
- analysis of religious texts and sources
- study of artefacts and symbolism
- structured discussion and debate
- reflection on moral and philosophical questions
Through this approach, pupils develop the ability to think critically, articulate ideas clearly and engage respectfully with different perspectives.
Lessons focus on:
- exploring the beliefs, teachings and practices of major world religions
- understanding the significance of religious texts, stories, symbols and rituals
- examining how religion influences individuals, communities and societies
- asking and reflecting on big questions about meaning, purpose and morality
- comparing similarities and differences within and between religions and worldviews
- using precise religious vocabulary to explain understanding
- engaging in discussion, enquiry and respectful debate
- reflecting on personal values, experiences and moral choices
- making connections between religion and wider historical and cultural contexts
Parental Right to Withdraw
Parents and carers have the legal right to withdraw their child from all or part of the Religious Education curriculum.
If you wish to do so, please contact the school office outlining which elements you would like your child to be withdrawn from. A member of the Senior Leadership Team will then be in touch to discuss this further.