Learning About Faith, Belief and the World Around Us

At St John's Church of England Primary Academy, Religious Education is known as Beliefs and Values because we believe every child should have the opportunity to explore not only different religions, but also the beliefs, values and worldviews that shape people's lives.

As a Church of England school, Christianity is at the heart of our curriculum. Alongside this, children learn about a range of world faiths and non-religious worldviews, developing the knowledge, understanding and respect they need to flourish in modern Britain and an increasingly diverse world.

Inspired by our Christian vision and the example of the Good Samaritan, we encourage children to approach learning with curiosity, compassion and an open mind. We want every child to become a thoughtful, respectful and confident individual who values both their own beliefs and those of others.

What Does Beliefs and Values Look Like?

Our curriculum is engaging, creative and thought-provoking.

Children are encouraged to ask big questions about life, meaning, identity and purpose while developing a secure understanding of Christianity and other world faiths.

Learning takes many different forms, including:

• thoughtful discussion and debate
• art, drama and creative responses
• philosophy and reflection
• storytelling and the exploration of sacred texts
• collaborative learning
• visits and visitors
• opportunities to explore festivals, traditions and places of worship.

Children are encouraged to think critically, explain their ideas clearly, listen respectfully to others and understand that people can hold different beliefs whilst treating one another with dignity and respect.

Our Curriculum

Our Beliefs and Values curriculum follows the Understanding Christianity resource alongside the Lichfield Diocese syllabus, ensuring children develop a deep understanding of Christian belief while also learning about a wide range of other faiths and worldviews.

Throughout their time at St John's, children explore:

• Christianity
• Islam
• Hinduism
• Judaism
• Sikhism
• Buddhism
• Humanism and non-religious worldviews

As they move through the school, children build on prior learning, revisit key concepts and deepen their understanding through increasingly challenging questions and discussions.

Developing Respect and Understanding

Our vision encourages children to love their neighbour, show compassion and celebrate diversity.

Beliefs and Values plays a vital role in helping children understand the richness of the world around them. They learn that while people may hold different beliefs and values, everyone deserves kindness, dignity and respect.

Through exploring different perspectives, children develop empathy, challenge stereotypes and gain the confidence to discuss important issues with maturity and respect.

These experiences prepare our pupils to become responsible citizens who value inclusion, justice and community.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Children's learning is enriched through a variety of memorable experiences.

They participate in themed learning days, welcome visitors from different faith communities and have opportunities to visit places of worship. These first-hand experiences bring learning to life and help children make meaningful connections between what they learn in school and the wider world.

Our curriculum encourages children to reflect on their own beliefs and values while appreciating the diversity that exists within our local, national and global communities.

What SIAMS Said About Beliefs and Values

Our SIAMS inspection in June 2026 recognised Beliefs and Values as a significant strength of the school.

Inspectors praised the subject's high profile across the school and recognised that our inclusive approach helps every child feel valued. They highlighted the creative curriculum, rich discussion and reflection opportunities, and the way pupils confidently explore Christianity, other world faiths and non-religious worldviews. The inspection found that children develop a deep respect for different beliefs, confidently express their own ideas and understand the importance of listening to and learning from others.

We are proud that Beliefs and Values inspires our children to become curious learners, courageous thinkers and compassionate citizens who are well prepared to live and flourish in a diverse society.