Religion and World Views at St James
Our Intent – What We Want for Your Child
At our school, Religion and World Views (RW) helps children make sense of the world around them. We want pupils to understand different religions and worldviews, think deeply about big questions in life, and learn to appreciate the beliefs and values of others.
Through RW, we aim to help children:
- Develop respect, empathy and curiosity.
- Explore their own ideas and reflect on what matters to them.
- Learn about different faiths and non‑religious worldviews.
- Understand how people’s beliefs influence how they live.
Above all, our goal is to prepare children to live confidently and kindly in a diverse and ever‑changing world.
Our Implementation – How We Teach RW
We follow the Devon and Torbay Agreed Syllabus, supported by NATRE, to provide a clear and engaging RW curriculum.
This means:
- Learning is built around key questions that encourage children to wonder, explore and think.
- Children learn about a wide range of religions - including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism - and non‑religious worldviews such as Humanism.
- Lessons include stories, discussions, handling real objects from religious traditions, artwork, drama and practical activities.
- Pupils enjoy enriching experiences such as visits to places of worship and meeting visitors from different faith communities.
- Teachers build on children’s previous learning to make sure their understanding grows year by year.
We make RW meaningful, active and enjoyable so that children look forward to their learning.
Our Impact – What This Means for Your Child
By the time children leave our school, they will:
- Have a strong understanding of a range of beliefs and practices.
- Be able to talk thoughtfully about their own views and listen respectfully to others.
- Show empathy, curiosity and an appreciation of the diverse world they live in.
- Be confident in asking questions and thinking deeply about life’s big ideas.
- Have the skills and understanding needed to be responsible, open‑minded members of society.
RW helps children grow not only in knowledge but also in character—supporting their personal development, their understanding of others and their sense of belonging in the wider world.