The Religion and World Views curriculum is determined by the local Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE), which is responsible for producing the locally agreed syllabus for Religion and World Views. The principle aim in Wiltshire is to engage pupils in enquiring into key questions arising from the study of religion and belief, to promote their personal and spiritual development.

Intent

As a Church of England Voluntary Aided School, we view the teaching and learning of Religion and World Views as important as English and Maths view it as a core subject.

In order to make religion a lively, active subject, we employ a variety of teaching methods including art, music, discussion, the development of thinking skills, ICT, drama, the use of artefacts, pictures, stories, and the use of periods of stillness and reflection. Where possible, we want our children to have opportunities to encounter local faith communities through visits to local places of worship or visitors from members of local faith communities.

The children have many opportunities to explore and deepen our Christian Values within RE, across all their learning and within all areas of school life.

Religion and World Views at Derry Hill School:

• Develop pupil’s knowledge and understanding of the beliefs and practices of a wide range of Christians and people of other principal world religions, and non-religious world views in our local, national and wider global community.
• Enable pupils to explain how beliefs and practices can inform and change the way people see the world and the way they live and treat others.
• Help pupils to develop their own sense of identity and belonging.
• Help pupils to gain an understanding of differences held within a religious or non-religious world-view and of the similarities of beliefs and practices held in common by people within and across traditions.
• Equip pupils to be sensitive to others’ beliefs, be able to express their own views well, be open-minded and respectful, show curiosity and have the skills to ask appropriate questions when meeting people different to themselves.
• Recognise and build on children’s prior learning, opinions and experiences, provide first-hand learning experiences and encourage children to develop their thinking in the three key strands of RW (theology, philosophy and the social sciences) whilst exploring and enriching their own beliefs and values.
• Provide opportunities for spiritual development
• Develop spirituality

Implementation

At Derry Hill School we follow the Agreed Syllabus for Wiltshire (2025), which allows us to explore big questions across different world-views using a multidisciplinary approach that asks children to think like theologians, like social scientists and like philosophers  .

These include:

• Investigating views on the existence and nature of God
• Origins of the universe and responsibility for the environment (creation)
• The nature of humanity (beliefs, belonging and spirituality)
• The journey of life (rites of passage and the afterlife)
• Global issues (e.g. social justice, conflict, inequality …)

Lessons will be taught discreetly and regularly in accordance with the guidelines in the Agreed Syllabus, as recommended by Ofsted in their 2024 review (Deep and Meaningful) with an additional Diversity Day during the year.

Much of what we do will be oral, encouraging dialogue and curiosity with pupils free to respond in art, poetry, drama  as well as the written word.

Parents / carers are entitled to withdraw their child/ren from some / all of our RE lessons should they wish, following a discussion with the headteacher.

Impact

At Derry Hill C of E Primary School you will see:

• Children who have an enjoyment of Religion and World Views and are inquisitive, confident and creative when learning about Christianity and World Faiths.
• Children who have a strong awareness of the world around them and are mindful of the beliefs of others.
• Children who know they are valued as individuals and that their beliefs are valued and celebrated.
• Children who feel safe to learn new things and share their beliefs with others in an accepting environment.
• Children who are able to reflect on and develop their own belief system and nurture their spirituality

 We assess our children in different ways:

• Ongoing assessment in lessons allows our teachers to adjust their teaching to meet the needs of their pupils
• Summative assessment allows us to check that the children are making good progress

Our multidisciplinary approach is inherently progressive and identifies what we expect children to know by the end of each key stage and how they will develop their critical thinking skills as they move through the key stages.  

Assessment may be evidenced in floor books / RW books files and might, for example, be based on contributions to discussion, poetry, art or drama.

Our assessment of spirituality is much harder, but may be seen through our childrens' ability to be reflective, empathetic, curious, imaginative and joyous.

SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social & Cultural Development)

Celebrating diversity; unlocking the potential

What is SMSC?

SMSC stands for spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. All schools in England must provide their children with opportunities to develop their SMSC understanding.

Spiritual: Explore beliefs and experience; respect faiths, feelings and values; enjoy learning about oneself, others and the surrounding world; use imagination and creativity; reflect.

Moral: Recognise right and wrong; respect the law; understand consequences; investigate moral and ethical issues; offer reasoned views and have an appreciation of British Values.

Social: Investigate and moral issues; appreciate diverse viewpoints; participate, volunteer and cooperate; resolve conflict; engage with the fundamental values of British democracy.

Cultural: Appreciate cultural influences; appreciate the role of Britain’s parliamentary system; participate in cultural opportunities; understand, accept, respect and celebrate diversity.

SMSC is usually taught through Religion and World Views and PSHE lessons.