Religious Education and Worldviews

How does understanding different faiths and worldviews prepare children for the future? How can learning about religion shape the way we engage with the world?

At Sikh Heritage Girls School, Religious Education & Worldviews (RE&W) is about more than just learning facts—it’s about developing a deep respect for different beliefs, engaging in meaningful discussions, and preparing pupils to become compassionate, informed leaders. Research highlights that high-quality RE&W fosters empathy, enhances social cohesion, and strengthens moral reasoning (Jackson, 2014).

We enrich learning through Jigsaw RE, our strong partnerships with local SACRE bodies, and opportunities for pupils to visit places of worship and learn from religious experts. Our enquiry-based approach encourages girls to ask big questions, explore ethical dilemmas, and develop the confidence to engage with complex ideas—essential skills for future leaders in fields such as education, law, diplomacy, and community leadership.

Our Vision for RE&W:

• Fostering Enquiry and Reflection: Pupils explore profound questions about faith, identity, and morality, learning to think critically about how beliefs shape individuals and societies.

• Building Ethical and Religious Literacy: Studies show that a well-rounded RE&W curriculum enhances pupils’ ability to engage thoughtfully with different worldviews (Ofsted, 2021).

• Encouraging Learning Beyond the Classroom: First-hand experiences through visits to  churches, mosques, synagogues, temples and mandirs bring learning to life, deepening understanding and promoting respect.

• Developing Future Leaders: Understanding worldviews is vital for careers in law, public service, and international relations. Our curriculum nurtures pupils who can think independently, engage in respectful dialogue, and make a meaningful impact on society.

How We Teach RE&W:

At Sikh Heritage Girls School, we make RE&W an engaging and thought-provoking subject:

• Enquiry-Based Learning: Pupils investigate thought-provoking questions, developing reasoning and critical thinking skills.

• Jigsaw RE: Our structured, high-quality resources provide a rich, progressive curriculum that supports enquiry and discussion.

• High Oracy Standards: Inspired by research on classroom dialogue (Mercer et al., 2017), we encourage debate and discussion, helping pupils articulate their ideas with clarity and confidence.

• Expert-Led Learning: Pupils engage with faith leaders and scholars, learning about religion and worldviews from those who live and practice them.

• SMSC Development: RE&W plays a vital role in pupils' Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural education, equipping them with the knowledge and values to navigate modern society.