Religious Education at Wooden Hill School aims to educate, inspire and challenge all pupils to
develop a deep understanding of their own beliefs and the religious and non-religious worldviews
that surround them. By adopting a new scheme through Oak Learning Academy, pupils are exposed
to a broad, balanced and ambitious curriculum which prepares them to navigate the diversity of
beliefs, values and practices they may encounter at school and throughout their lives. Through the
study of religious and non-religious worldviews, pupils develop knowledge of how these shape
human life, teachings, traditions and the lived experiences of followers. Our intent is that pupils
understand the place, influence and diversity of religion and non-religion in Britain today and the
wider world, and are prepared to engage respectfully and thoughtfully within a multicultural society.
Religious Education is a multidisciplinary subject. Each unit of learning is driven by a single
academic discipline which frames the enquiry question that pupils explore. Within each unit, pupils
learn substantive knowledge about different worldviews and are introduced to the questions,
concepts and methods associated with that discipline. While each inquiry is grounded in a particular
disciplinary approach, pupils are encouraged to draw on a range of tools and perspectives to deepen
their understanding. Key concepts such as ‘God’, ‘covenant’ and ‘dharma’ are introduced early in
Key Stage 1 and revisited regularly in different contexts, enabling pupils to build increasingly secure,
nuanced and connected understanding over time. Careful sequencing of curriculum content ensures
that pupils can make meaningful links with prior learning and progressively develop both disciplinary
and substantive knowledge.
Through Religious Education, pupils also develop important skills including critical thinking,
interpretation, reflection, empathy and respectful dialogue. The curriculum promotes pupils’ spiritual,
moral, social and cultural development by encouraging them to ask thoughtful questions, reflect on
meaning and purpose, and consider how beliefs and values influence behaviour and decision-
making. Pupils are supported to articulate their own ideas while respecting the rights of others to
hold different beliefs, fostering tolerance, mutual respect and understanding in line with British
values.
The curriculum is intentionally designed to support high-quality teaching and learning for all pupils,
including those with SEND. In line with local guidance, lessons emphasise clear explanations,
modelling, frequent checks for understanding and opportunities for guided and independent practice.
Stories and narratives are used to support pupils in accessing abstract and complex ideas. Lessons
are carefully structured into manageable learning cycles, with unnecessary information minimised to
reduce cognitive load. This inclusive approach ensures that Religious Education at Wooden Hill
School is accessible, engaging and meaningful for every child and is a subject in which all pupils can
succeed and thrive.