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Religious Education at Ashton Hayes Primary School

Vision for Religious Education

At Ashton Hayes Primary School, we believe that Religious Education plays a vital role in helping children understand themselves, others and the diverse world in which they live. We want every pupil to develop curiosity, respect and an open-minded appreciation of the different beliefs, values and worldviews that shape people's lives.

As a small rural primary school in Cheshire, many of our pupils grow up within a close-knit community with relatively limited day-to-day exposure to the rich diversity of faiths and cultures that exist across modern Britain. Our Religious Education curriculum is therefore carefully designed to broaden children's understanding, challenge stereotypes and develop empathy through meaningful learning about Christianity and a range of other world religions and worldviews.

At the same time, we are proud of our strong links with our local church, which play an important role in the life of our school. Through these relationships, pupils develop a secure understanding of Christianity as a living faith while recognising and respecting the beliefs and traditions of others.

We believe that Religious Education helps children become thoughtful, reflective and compassionate citizens. Through discussion, enquiry and reflection, pupils are encouraged to ask big questions, explore different perspectives and appreciate that people may hold different beliefs whilst sharing many common values.

We aim for all pupils to:

  • develop a secure understanding of Christianity and other major world faiths and worldviews

  • understand how beliefs influence people's lives, choices and communities

  • develop curiosity through asking thoughtful and respectful questions

  • recognise both the similarities and differences between faiths and worldviews

  • demonstrate respect, empathy and understanding towards people with different beliefs

  • reflect on their own beliefs, values and experiences

  • understand the importance of kindness, tolerance and mutual respect within modern Britain.

Implementation

Religious Education is taught through a carefully sequenced curriculum that meets the requirements of the locally agreed syllabus while ensuring pupils develop progressively deeper knowledge, understanding and enquiry skills throughout their primary education.

The curriculum enables pupils to explore Christianity alongside a range of other major world religions and worldviews. Learning is carefully planned so that pupils build secure knowledge of beliefs, festivals, places of worship, sacred texts and religious practices, whilst also considering the values and moral questions that connect people across different faith communities.

Our strong partnership with our local church enriches pupils' understanding of Christianity through regular visits, collective worship and opportunities to engage with members of the church community. These experiences help children understand how faith continues to influence individuals and communities today.

Religious Education at Ashton Hayes Primary School extends beyond classroom learning. Wherever possible, pupils learn through first-hand experiences, including visits, visitors and practical opportunities to explore different faiths and cultures. These experiences deepen understanding, encourage respectful discussion and help children appreciate the diversity of beliefs within modern Britain.

Teachers create safe, respectful learning environments where pupils feel confident to ask questions, discuss different viewpoints and reflect thoughtfully on their own ideas. Lessons encourage enquiry, discussion and reflection, ensuring that Religious Education develops both knowledge and understanding alongside respect for others.

Impact

Through the Religious Education curriculum at Ashton Hayes Primary School, pupils develop a secure understanding of Christianity alongside an appreciation of the beliefs, traditions and worldviews that make up our diverse society.

Pupils leave our school with the confidence to ask thoughtful questions, consider different perspectives and discuss matters of faith and belief with respect and sensitivity. They understand that people may hold different beliefs whilst sharing common values such as kindness, compassion and respect.

Through learning about a wide range of faiths and worldviews, pupils develop empathy, challenge stereotypes and gain a deeper understanding of the diversity that characterises modern Britain. They recognise the importance of mutual respect and understand how different beliefs contribute to communities both locally and globally.

Our strong links with the local church, alongside opportunities to explore other faiths through visits, visitors and enrichment experiences, help pupils appreciate both their own local community and the wider world beyond Ashton Hayes.

Ultimately, pupils leave Ashton Hayes Primary School as curious, respectful and reflective young people who embody our vision to 'Aspire to be Amazing'. They are well prepared to live, learn and thrive within an increasingly diverse society, demonstrating kindness, understanding and respect towards people of all faiths and worldviews.