The Kapow Primary R&W scheme of work fulfils the requirements outlined in the Curriculum framework for Religious Education in England.

Kapow Primary’s standard and mixed-age R&W schemes are based on principles outlined in Ofsted’s RE research review.

The standard, mixed-age and condensed R&W schemes are continually evaluated and refined through regular curriculum reviews, internal audits and feedback from subscribing schools.

Updates are informed by the latest subject-specific research, changes to guidance and developments in pedagogy. This ensures the curriculum remains current, effective and relevant.

The R&W: Vocabulary progression focuses on the essential words and terms for understanding the subject. These words are carefully selected to help pupils grasp concepts and ideas outlined in the R&W curriculum.

R&W vocabulary is categorised under three curriculum strands:

• Substantive knowledge.
• Personal knowledge.
• Disciplinary knowledge.

The progression also highlights specific terms related to particular worldviews, such as ‘moksha’ (Hindu) or ‘salvation’ (Christian).

Kapow Primary’s R&W scheme of work has been designed as a spiral curriculum with the following key principles in mind:

• Cyclical – pupils build on disciplinary, substantive and personal knowledge through the study of religious and non-religious worldviews and concepts.
• Increasing depth – each time a concept, religion or worldview is revisited, it is examined with greater complexity and in different contexts. Progression within units and between year groups includes:
  • studying teachings, beliefs, practices and experiences in more detail;
  • moving from local to national and then global contexts;
  • making and explaining more, increasing subtle links;
  • identifying and discussing diversity within and between religions and worldviews;
  • grappling with increasingly complex and sometimes controversial ideas (including through our big questions).
• Prior knowledge – upon returning to each concept, religion or worldview, pupils use prior knowledge to build on previous foundations, rather than starting again.

Kapow Primary’s R&W scheme allows pupils to apply disciplinary knowledge through the enquiry cycle.

By revisiting the cycle in every unit, pupils learn to think and work like scholars of religion: asking open-ended questions, investigating evidence, interpreting meaning, evaluating claims, applying insights and expressing reasoned conclusions.

This strand builds pupils’ factual understanding of the key concepts that underpin both religions and non-religious worldviews. It consists of two elements: conceptual knowledge and worldview-related knowledge.

Conceptual knowledge statements show how pupils’ knowledge builds in their understanding of:

• Beliefs.
• Wisdom and morality.
• Practices.
• Community and belonging.

Worldview-related knowledge statements show the knowledge covered within the units that is relevant to a specific religion or worldview.

This strand enables pupils to think about their own positionality – recognising that people approach learning from a particular worldview shaped by family, culture and experience.

Additionally, it enables them to reflect on how their perspective may influence their learning and how their own worldview compares to those of others.

Lessons encourage discussion, debate and presentations. This enables pupils to articulate their understanding, justify their opinions and engage in collaborative learning.

The children will use oracy to enhance their learning by thinking aloud, questioning and discussing activities.

They develop essential skills such as choosing appropriate vocabulary, organising their ideas and listening effectively.

The R&W curriculum promotes awareness of diversity, encouraging children to develop a sense of respect and responsibility in a plural world by exploring concepts such as belief, identity and interfaith dialogue.

Understanding different worldviews is crucial for making sense of how people coexist in society. As highlighted in the Department for Education’s 2023 guidance, Sustainability and climate change strategy, education should help children appreciate diversity, promote mutual understanding and encourage inclusive school environments.

Engaging pupils with questions of religion and worldviews can spark enthusiasm for positive social change, broaden their understanding of community and belonging, reduce prejudice or anxieties around difference and instil pride in their educational settings.

Pupils analyse data, compare different perspectives and evaluate sources of information.

This helps them question assumptions and form reasoned conclusions on global and local issues.

Lessons promote British values (democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance) by incorporating activities that encourage debate, respect for differing opinions and an understanding of societal structures.

Kapow Primary’s R&W curriculum broadens children’s experiences by introducing them to key figures, historical and cultural contexts and diverse religious and non-religious traditions.

The scheme helps ensure they gain the knowledge and skills needed to engage meaningfully in society.

Lessons build on curiosity, exploration and discussion, which are central to EYFS learning. As pupils move into Year 1, more structured activities are gradually introduced.

In KS1, oracy, questioning and storytelling help pupils transition from informal to more formal subject-based learning.

The R&W scheme supports the progressive development of skills, such as observation, reasoning and problem-solving, which are introduced in EYFS (Reception) and strengthened in KS1.

Adaptive teaching strategies ensure all learners are supported as they transition to more formal learning approaches.

The scheme aligns with the EYFS Early Learning Goals, making connections with communication and language, understanding the world, and expressive arts to create a seamless transition.

It promotes independence and confidence, supporting children as they adapt to the expectations of KS1 learning.

With Kapow Primary’s CPD videos, subject leaders can develop their expertise and, in turn, support their colleagues in delivering high-quality lessons.

Whether helping with subject knowledge, modelling effective teaching techniques or offering practical tips for the classroom, Kapow Primary’s CPD videos ensure that every teacher has access to the support they need.

It is essential that pupils start to ‘think like scholars’ by considering the ways people study, question and interpret religions and worldviews.

Accordingly, the R&W scheme uses an enquiry cycle to support planning and reflection. This encourages pupils to ask meaningful questions about religions and worldviews and learn how knowledge is developed through enquiry, interpretation and dialogue.

A short, engaging activity designed to hook pupils into the new learning in the lesson.

This could be a thought-provoking question, a quick investigation or an interactive discussion to spark curiosity and enthusiasm for the topic.

The core part of the lesson, where children engage in activities that develop their understanding of the learning objective.

This includes a mixture of teacher modelling, guided practice and independent or collaborative tasks tailored to support all pupils.

A final reflective activity that consolidates learning.

This could involve reviewing the success criteria, discussing key learning or applying knowledge in a different context to assess understanding and encourage deeper thinking.

• Activates prior knowledge – helps pupils make connections between new and existing learning, reducing cognitive overload.
• Strengthens memory pathways – retrieval practice has been shown to improve retention more effectively than passive review.
• Identifies gaps in understanding – teachers can quickly assess what children remember and address misconceptions before introducing new content.
• Builds confidence – regular recall activities reassure pupils that they can remember key concepts, improving engagement and motivation.
• Promotes spaced learning – revisiting prior learning at regular intervals supports long-term retention, rather than cramming information in a single lesson.

Due to budget constraints and varied staffing structures, it is not always possible to have classroom support from additional staff. Kapow Primary’s R&W lessons are designed with this in mind, providing resources and explanations that allow teachers to deliver high-quality lessons independently without necessarily relying on additional adults.

If additional support is suggested in a lesson, it is clearly marked within the Have ready part of the lesson plan.

Kapow Primary’s R&W curriculum is designed to be taught on a half-termly basis.

For schools with limited curriculum time, a condensed scheme is also available, which maintains full statutory coverage while streamlining content to focus on the most essential knowledge and skills.

Lessons encourage discussion, reflection and verbal explanations. This allows teachers to capture pupils’ understanding through questioning, class discussions and recorded responses, supporting a broader view of progress beyond written work.

The Assessment spreadsheet helps to track pupils’ R&W attainment over time.

This tool allows teachers to record progress against learning objectives and assessment statements, making it easier to monitor development and identify areas for support.

The scheme supports school improvement using:

• Consistent, high-quality teaching – a structured scheme ensures a coherent approach across year groups, supporting curriculum progression.
• Assessment and evidence tracking – built-in assessment materials help teachers monitor progress and demonstrate impact.
• Alignment with Ofsted expectations – the scheme supports personal development, broadens pupils’ horizons and ensures a knowledge-rich curriculum, helping schools meet inspection criteria.

By reducing workload, building teacher expertise and ensuring high teaching standards, Kapow Primary contributes to a confident teaching staff and a well-structured, effective curriculum that supports whole-school improvement.

• Assessment materials (e.g. Unit quizzes, Knowledge catchers and the Assessment spreadsheet) can be used to provide information about pupil progress.
• Written outcomes and pupil voice show engagement, understanding and the ability to recall knowledge.

• Key documents and CPD videos help subject leaders confidently discuss the curriculum.
• Knowledge organisers and lesson plans provide details of what has been taught and learned.
• The Adaptive teaching section in each lesson provides an opportunity to discuss inclusivity and demonstrate how all learners are supported.

• The scheme broadens pupils’ horizons, develops critical thinking and promotes British values, contributing to Ofsted’s personal development criteria.
• Lessons integrate real-world connections and cultural capital, showcasing a rich learning experience.

• Equips subject leaders to articulate intent, implementation and impact – CPD videos provide clear explanations and subject knowledge to help leaders confidently discuss the curriculum with inspectors.
• Builds teacher confidence and consistency – ongoing training ensures all staff understand the curriculum structure and feel prepared to deliver high-quality R&W lessons across the school.