How Religion, Values and Ethics (RVE) Opens Minds and Hearts in the Primary Classroom

‘Mrs Richards! We’ve been exploring the big questions today in our class, It’s so much fun,’ a pupil calls out excitedly in the corridor.

‘I’ve been thinking about how God made the world,’ says another.

‘I emailed you my PowerPoint about Humanism, I can’t wait for the next RVE lesson!’

Moments like these remind me why I love teaching Religion, Values and Ethics (RVE). When it’s delivered with passion and creativity, it sparks curiosity and joy in pupils. It gives them the confidence to explore life’s big questions and connect with diverse worldviews. There’s nothing better than hearing, ‘This is my favourite subject,’ or ‘When is our next RVE lesson?’

So how do we bring that spark into every classroom?

I believe it starts with creating a safe and welcoming environment. Pupils need to feel comfortable enough to speak honestly, ask questions, and listen deeply. A respectful environment ensures that everyone’s voice is heard and valued, regardless of background, abilities, or opinions. Differences are embraced and appreciated. This sense of safety encourages pupils to reflect on who they are, what they believe, and how they relate to the world. Learning to respect the right for others to have their own worldview is key, as it helps pupils understand that not everyone sees the world in the same way, and that’s okay. In RVE, this respect for differing worldviews is essential.

One tool I introduced in my school to encourage open dialogue is the ‘Big Question Voting Board.’ This interactive activity presents pupils with a thought-provoking question, and they place a marker under ‘Yes,’ ‘Not sure,’ or ‘No’ to show their stance. This visual representation allows pupils to see a range of opinions, helping them understand that their own views are respected, and that differences are to be expected. It is the starting point for deep discussions and encourages active participation. Pupils also know they can change their marker if their view changes, empowering them to reflect on new information or perspectives.
The Welsh Curriculum places great emphasis on Cynefin—a Welsh word that directly translates as “habitat,” but carries a much deeper meaning. It describes the place where we feel we belong, shaped by our culture, community, environment, and relationships. This concept is embedded throughout the entire curriculum, helping learners reflect on the personal and societal influences that shape their worldviews.

In RVE, Cynefin is explored by helping pupils understand how religion and worldviews influence both personal identity and the communities around them. To bring this to life, schools can invite visitors from diverse religious and non-religious backgrounds, as well as members of the local community, to share their perspectives on the big questions. Visits to religious buildings such as mosques, churches, and mandirs can also be organised, allowing pupils to see how beliefs are not just abstract ideas but lived experiences that shape how people act and interact with the world. These authentic encounters help pupils connect with real people, break down stereotypes, build empathy, and recognise that despite differing worldviews, we all share common hopes, values, and connections. I’ll never forget a pupil, who shared months after a visitor came in, how that conversation had profoundly impacted his thoughts and behaviour for the better, leaving a lasting impression on his daily life.

To create rich experiences, a variety of interactive tools can be used in the classroom, such as storytelling, music, role play, exploring artefacts, and digital tools like Kahoot. Pupils become like detectives, investigating different religious and non-religious worldviews, piecing together information to understand them better. These hands-on activities make learning enjoyable, and when pupils enjoy what they’re learning, it stays with them, sparking a desire to explore more and think even deeper about the world around them.

RVE taps into pupils’ natural curiosity, offering them the space to explore new perspectives and understand themselves and others better. Through empathy, exploration, and reflection, pupils can develop a deeper connection to the world around them. When they realise their thoughts and the thoughts of others matter, true learning begins. By ensuring every pupil feels seen and heard, curiosity is ignited, helping them appreciate and respect diverse worldviews.