Religion & Worldviews
Lower School – Key Stage 1
Religion and Worldviews (RaW) at Gad’s Hill School helps KS1 pupils to begin developing an understanding of the people, beliefs, stories and traditions that exist in the world around them. Through carefully planned lessons, pupils are encouraged to develop curiosity, respect and kindness towards others, laying strong foundations for empathy, tolerance and understanding.
In KS1, RaW is taught through an enquiry-based approach that encourages children to ask questions and explore big ideas such as meaning, celebration, sacrifice, fairness and what it means to belong. Learning is rooted in storytelling, discussion and reflection, allowing pupils to engage with religious and non-religious worldviews in an age-appropriate and accessible way.
Pupils are introduced to a range of religions and worldviews through familiar themes, festivals and stories, helping them to recognise similarities and differences between beliefs and ways of life. Lessons make strong links to pupils’ own experiences, encouraging them to talk about their families, traditions and values, and to listen respectfully to the experiences of others.
A variety of teaching methods are used, including stories, artefacts, role play, art, music and creative activities, ensuring learning is engaging and meaningful. Where possible, learning is enriched through visitors or simple visits that help bring religious traditions to life.
Through RaW in KS1, pupils develop an early understanding of diversity, learn the importance of respect and kindness, and begin to appreciate that people may hold different beliefs and worldviews, all of which are valued within our school community.
Lower School – Key Stage 2
Religion and Worldviews (RaW) at Gad’s Hill School enables pupils to develop a secure and informed understanding of the people, beliefs, values, theories and traditions that shape the world around them. Through thoughtful enquiry and discussion, pupils are encouraged to develop knowledge, tolerance and respect for others, while also reflecting on their own beliefs and values. RaW promotes empathy, critical thinking and open-mindedness, supporting pupils in becoming reflective, respectful and responsible members of society.
In the Lower School (KS2), the RaW curriculum explores the six major religions represented in the UK: Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, Sikhism and Buddhism. These are revisited through a range of carefully chosen topics and themes across the year, allowing pupils to build knowledge progressively and make meaningful connections between beliefs, practices and ways of life.
Lessons encourage pupils to ask thoughtful questions, compare similarities and differences between worldviews, and consider how beliefs influence individuals, communities and wider society. Teaching approaches include discussion, storytelling, artefact handling, reflection, creative responses and opportunities for debate, ensuring learning is engaging and accessible to all pupils.
Where possible, learning is enriched through visits to local places of worship and visits from members of faith communities. These experiences allow pupils to encounter lived religion first-hand, deepening understanding and helping to challenge stereotypes. Such enrichment supports pupils in developing respect for diversity and an appreciation of Britain as a multi-faith, multicultural society.
Overall, RaW at Gad’s Hill School supports pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, equipping them with the knowledge, understanding and empathy they need to navigate an increasingly diverse world.
Upper School – Key Stage 3
Upper School – Key Stage 4
Religion and Worldviews enables students to develop an understanding of the people, beliefs, theories and traditions around them; promoting knowledge and tolerance and encouraging empathy. Students embark on a short-course GCSE qualification of Religious Studies in Upper Fourth. They study the beliefs and teachings of Judaism and Christianity, from differing denominations, which includes the nature of God, man’s experience of God, and key theology and practices. As well as this, students explore two religious, philosophical and ethical thematic studies; Relationships and Families, and Peace and Conflict. Here topics are discussed from multiple perspectives. RaW lessons explore more beliefs, philosophies and theories than the GCSE course content covers, ensuring it is a diverse and inclusive curriculum.
