Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit (Primary)
An invaluable resource to help you explore ways of knowing. Jam-packed full with varied content including theory behind ways of knowing, how to help pupils develop in this area, practical ideas for implementation in the primary classroom, and more besides.
A wealth of online resources accompany Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit to ensure that you can incorporate ways of knowing into your teaching as effectively as possible for your pupils.
Whether you have expertise in using ways of knowing in your teaching, are brand new to it, or are somewhere in between, this toolkit offers something for everyone.
Select a topic to explore resources
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Assessment
- InternalAssessment for 10- to 11-year-olds (Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit, primary)Supports 'Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit', primary edition (RE Today Services 2026). List of expected outcomes (linked to NSE) from unit on pp 22-27 of book for 11-year-olds. Can be adapted for the age of pupils you are teaching.
Bunting for classroom display
- InternalDisciplines bunting (Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit, primary)Bunting flags with icons of three disciplines employed in primary classroom RE, to support 'Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit' primary edition: Human and Social Sciences, Philosophy and Theology. For creating a classroom display.
- InternalTools and methods bunting (Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit, primary)Bunting flags with icons of tools and methods employed in primary classroom RE, to support 'Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit' primary edition. For creating a classroom display.
Dice face signs
- InternalDice icons for disciplines (Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit, primary)Discipline icons (from 'Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit' primary) to apply to dice faces for classroom use. Supports activities in the book.
- InternalDice icons for tools and methods (Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit, primary)Icons for tools and methods in 'Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit' primary edition provided on sheets for use on dice faces for classroom activity. Supports activities suggested in the book.
Fan templates with icons
- InternalDisciplines fan (Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit, primary)Fan leaves with icons of three disciplines employed in primary classroom RE, to support 'Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit' primary edition: Human and Social Sciences, Philosophy and Theology. To print and create fans for use in classroom activity.
- InternalMethods fan (Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit, primary)Fan leaves with icons of nine methods employed in primary classroom RE, to support 'Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit' primary edition. To print and create fans for use in classroom activity.
- InternalTools fan (Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit, primary)Fan leaves with icons of nine tools employed in primary classroom RE, to support 'Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit' primary edition. To print and create fans for use in classroom activity.
Large icons for classroom display
- InternalDiscipline icons (Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit, primary)Discipline icons (from 'Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit' primary): a large version of each icon, one to a sheet, for use in classroom display. Includes a blank spare for your own discipline title. Supports activities in the book.
- InternalTools and methods icons (Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit, primary)Tools and methods icons (from 'Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit' primary): a large version of each icon, one to a sheet, for use in classroom display. Includes a blank spare for your own tool/method title. Supports activities in the book.
Tracker sheets
- InternalDisciplines tracker sheet (Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit, primary)Discipline tracker sheet (from 'Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit' primary), for pupils to add how they used different disciplines. Supports activities in the book.
- InternalMethods tracker sheet (Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit, primary) for use with 4-7sMethods tracker sheet (from 'Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit' primary), for pupils to add how they used different disciplines. For use with 4-7s (includes 'Ordering Events' title suitable for that age group). Supports activities in the book.
- InternalMethods tracker sheet (Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit, primary) for use with 7-11sMethods tracker sheet (from 'Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit' primary), for pupils to add how they used different disciplines. For use with 7-11s (includes 'Thinking about chronology' title suitable for KS2). Supports activities in the book.
- InternalTools tracker sheet (Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit, primary) for use with 4-7sTools tracker sheet (from 'Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit' primary), for pupils to track which different tools they have used. For use with 4-7s (includes 'Order of Events' title suitable for KS1). Supports activities in the book.
- InternalTools tracker sheet (Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit, primary) for use with 7-11sTools tracker sheet (from 'Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit' primary), for pupils to track which different tools they have used. For use with 7-11s (includes 'Chronology' title suitable for KS2). Supports activities in the book.
Wheels: which way of knowing? Why?
- InternalDisciplines wheel (Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit, primary)Disciplines wheel sheet (from 'Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit' primary), for pupils to add question and consider which discipline should be used to investigate it. Supports activities in the book.
- InternalMethods Wheel (Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit, primary) for use with 4-7sMethods wheel (from 'Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit' primary), for pupils to add a question and consider which method(s) would help to answer it. For use with 4-7s (includes 'Ordering Events' title suitable for that age group). Supports activities in the book.
- InternalMethods Wheel (Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit, primary) for use with 7-11sMethods wheel (from 'Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit' primary), for pupils to add how they used different disciplines. For use with 7-11s (includes 'Thinking about chronology' title suitable for KS2). Supports activities in the book.
- InternalTools Wheel (Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit, primary) for use with 4-7sTools wheel (from 'Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit' primary), for pupils to add a question and consider which tool(s) would help to answer it. For use with 4-7s (includes 'Order of events' title suitable for that age group). Supports activities in the book.
- InternalTools Wheel (Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit, primary) for use with 7-11sTools wheel (from 'Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit' primary), for pupils to add a question and consider which tool(s) would help to answer it. For use with 7-11s (includes 'Chronology' title suitable for that age group). Supports activities in the book.
Word mats
- InternalDisciplines word mat (Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit, primary)Disciplines word mat (from 'Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit' primary): sheet with 4 word mats to print and copy for use in class. Contains icons for three disciplines from the book: Theology, Philosophy, Human and social sciences. Supports activities in the book.
- InternalMethods word mat (Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit, primary), for 4-7sMethods word mat (from 'Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit' primary), for use with 4-7s: sheet with 2 word mats to print and copy for use in class. Contains icons for nine 'Methods' from the book, eg Reflecting on your position, Ordering events. Supports activities in the book.
- InternalMethods word mat (Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit, primary), for 7-11sMethods word mat (from 'Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit' primary), for use with 7-11s: sheet with 2 word mats to print and copy for use in class. Contains icons for nine 'Methods' from the book, eg Making observations, Thinking about chronology. Supports activities in the book.
- InternalTools word mat (Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit, primary), for 4-7sTools word mat (from 'Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit' primary), for use with 4-7s: sheet with 2 word mats to print and copy for use in class. Contains icons for nine 'Tools' from the book, eg Stories, Order of events. Supports activities in the book.
- InternalTools word mat (Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit, primary), for 7-11sTools word mat (from 'Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit' primary), for use with 7-11s: sheet with 2 word mats to print and copy for use in class. Contains icons for nine 'Tools' from the book, eg Objects and images, Chronology. Supports activities in the book.
PPT presentation to support Big Enquiry Question unit of work pp. 22-27
- Internal
Unit of work PPT presentation for Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit (primary)PowerPoint presentation for use in class, which supports and progresses the Big Enquiry Question unit of work from pp. 22-27 'Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit' primary).
Links with RE Today Publications featuring way of knowing (for primary settings)
- ExternalBig Questions Big Answers series
- ExternalExploring Worldviews series
- ExternalUnderstanding Muslims, Understanding Islam (Primary)
References (for overview section pp. 2-5)
- ExternalAukland, K. (2024), ‘A methodological turn in RE’, British Journal of Religious Education, 46 (4), 447–59.
- ExternalFreathy, R., and Doney, J. (2025), ‘The RE-searchers Approach: an exposition of methodologically oriented religious education through metaphor, analogy and allegory’, British Journal of Religious Education, online
- ExternalOfsted (2021), ‘Research review series: religious education'
- ExternalOfsted (2024), ‘Deep and meaningful? The religious education subject report’
- ExternalPett, S. (2022), Religion and Worldviews in the Classroom: Developing a Worldviews Approach – A Draft Resource for Curriculum Developers (London: Religious Education Council of England and Wales)
- ExternalPett, S. (2024), Developing a Religion and Worldviews Approach in Religious Education in England: A Handbook for Curriculum Writers (London: Religious Education Council of England and Wales)
- ExternalReligious Education Council of England and Wales (2023), National Content Standard for Religious Education in England (London: RE Council)
For further reading about ways of knowing
- ExternalEpistemic Insight: A guidebook to building an epistemically insightful learning experience in primary schools (Canterbury Christ Church University, 2021)
- ExternalAn introduction to Pondering Time with Living Difference IV (Hampshire County Council, 2021)
- ExternalGetting better at ways of knowing in RE (Lincoln Diocese, 2023)
- ExternalMetacognition and Self-Regulated Learning Guidance Report (Education Endowment Foundation, 2018)
- ExternalThe RE-searchers: A New Approach to Religious Education in Primary Schools (2015) by Giles Freathy, Rob Freathy, Jonathan Doney, Karen Walshe and Geoff Teece
- ExternalShattering the subject silos: learning about big questions and epistemic insight (2020) by Berry Billingsley and Lee Hazeldine
- ExternalWhat should we be assessing in religious education, the arts and humanities? (2024) by Benjamin Wood
Select a topic to explore resources
Supporting online resourcesAdditional links
Member Only Content
Assessment
- InternalAssessment for 10- to 11-year-olds (Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit, primary)Supports 'Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit', primary edition (RE Today Services 2026). List of expected outcomes (linked to NSE) from unit on pp 22-27 of book for 11-year-olds. Can be adapted for the age of pupils you are teaching.
Bunting for classroom display
- InternalDisciplines bunting (Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit, primary)Bunting flags with icons of three disciplines employed in primary classroom RE, to support 'Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit' primary edition: Human and Social Sciences, Philosophy and Theology. For creating a classroom display.
- InternalTools and methods bunting (Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit, primary)Bunting flags with icons of tools and methods employed in primary classroom RE, to support 'Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit' primary edition. For creating a classroom display.
Dice face signs
- InternalDice icons for disciplines (Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit, primary)Discipline icons (from 'Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit' primary) to apply to dice faces for classroom use. Supports activities in the book.
- InternalDice icons for tools and methods (Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit, primary)Icons for tools and methods in 'Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit' primary edition provided on sheets for use on dice faces for classroom activity. Supports activities suggested in the book.
Fan templates with icons
- InternalDisciplines fan (Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit, primary)Fan leaves with icons of three disciplines employed in primary classroom RE, to support 'Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit' primary edition: Human and Social Sciences, Philosophy and Theology. To print and create fans for use in classroom activity.
- InternalMethods fan (Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit, primary)Fan leaves with icons of nine methods employed in primary classroom RE, to support 'Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit' primary edition. To print and create fans for use in classroom activity.
- InternalTools fan (Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit, primary)Fan leaves with icons of nine tools employed in primary classroom RE, to support 'Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit' primary edition. To print and create fans for use in classroom activity.
Large icons for classroom display
- InternalDiscipline icons (Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit, primary)Discipline icons (from 'Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit' primary): a large version of each icon, one to a sheet, for use in classroom display. Includes a blank spare for your own discipline title. Supports activities in the book.
- InternalTools and methods icons (Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit, primary)Tools and methods icons (from 'Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit' primary): a large version of each icon, one to a sheet, for use in classroom display. Includes a blank spare for your own tool/method title. Supports activities in the book.
Tracker sheets
- InternalDisciplines tracker sheet (Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit, primary)Discipline tracker sheet (from 'Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit' primary), for pupils to add how they used different disciplines. Supports activities in the book.
- InternalMethods tracker sheet (Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit, primary) for use with 4-7sMethods tracker sheet (from 'Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit' primary), for pupils to add how they used different disciplines. For use with 4-7s (includes 'Ordering Events' title suitable for that age group). Supports activities in the book.
- InternalMethods tracker sheet (Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit, primary) for use with 7-11sMethods tracker sheet (from 'Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit' primary), for pupils to add how they used different disciplines. For use with 7-11s (includes 'Thinking about chronology' title suitable for KS2). Supports activities in the book.
- InternalTools tracker sheet (Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit, primary) for use with 4-7sTools tracker sheet (from 'Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit' primary), for pupils to track which different tools they have used. For use with 4-7s (includes 'Order of Events' title suitable for KS1). Supports activities in the book.
- InternalTools tracker sheet (Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit, primary) for use with 7-11sTools tracker sheet (from 'Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit' primary), for pupils to track which different tools they have used. For use with 7-11s (includes 'Chronology' title suitable for KS2). Supports activities in the book.
Wheels: which way of knowing? Why?
- InternalDisciplines wheel (Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit, primary)Disciplines wheel sheet (from 'Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit' primary), for pupils to add question and consider which discipline should be used to investigate it. Supports activities in the book.
- InternalMethods Wheel (Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit, primary) for use with 4-7sMethods wheel (from 'Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit' primary), for pupils to add a question and consider which method(s) would help to answer it. For use with 4-7s (includes 'Ordering Events' title suitable for that age group). Supports activities in the book.
- InternalMethods Wheel (Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit, primary) for use with 7-11sMethods wheel (from 'Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit' primary), for pupils to add how they used different disciplines. For use with 7-11s (includes 'Thinking about chronology' title suitable for KS2). Supports activities in the book.
- InternalTools Wheel (Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit, primary) for use with 4-7sTools wheel (from 'Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit' primary), for pupils to add a question and consider which tool(s) would help to answer it. For use with 4-7s (includes 'Order of events' title suitable for that age group). Supports activities in the book.
- InternalTools Wheel (Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit, primary) for use with 7-11sTools wheel (from 'Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit' primary), for pupils to add a question and consider which tool(s) would help to answer it. For use with 7-11s (includes 'Chronology' title suitable for that age group). Supports activities in the book.
Word mats
- InternalDisciplines word mat (Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit, primary)Disciplines word mat (from 'Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit' primary): sheet with 4 word mats to print and copy for use in class. Contains icons for three disciplines from the book: Theology, Philosophy, Human and social sciences. Supports activities in the book.
- InternalMethods word mat (Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit, primary), for 4-7sMethods word mat (from 'Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit' primary), for use with 4-7s: sheet with 2 word mats to print and copy for use in class. Contains icons for nine 'Methods' from the book, eg Reflecting on your position, Ordering events. Supports activities in the book.
- InternalMethods word mat (Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit, primary), for 7-11sMethods word mat (from 'Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit' primary), for use with 7-11s: sheet with 2 word mats to print and copy for use in class. Contains icons for nine 'Methods' from the book, eg Making observations, Thinking about chronology. Supports activities in the book.
- InternalTools word mat (Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit, primary), for 4-7sTools word mat (from 'Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit' primary), for use with 4-7s: sheet with 2 word mats to print and copy for use in class. Contains icons for nine 'Tools' from the book, eg Stories, Order of events. Supports activities in the book.
- InternalTools word mat (Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit, primary), for 7-11sTools word mat (from 'Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit' primary), for use with 7-11s: sheet with 2 word mats to print and copy for use in class. Contains icons for nine 'Tools' from the book, eg Objects and images, Chronology. Supports activities in the book.
PPT presentation to support Big Enquiry Question unit of work pp. 22-27
- Internal
Unit of work PPT presentation for Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit (primary)PowerPoint presentation for use in class, which supports and progresses the Big Enquiry Question unit of work from pp. 22-27 'Ways of Knowing: a Toolkit' primary).
Links with RE Today Publications featuring way of knowing (for primary settings)
- ExternalBig Questions Big Answers series
- ExternalExploring Worldviews series
- ExternalUnderstanding Muslims, Understanding Islam (Primary)
References (for overview section pp. 2-5)
- ExternalAukland, K. (2024), ‘A methodological turn in RE’, British Journal of Religious Education, 46 (4), 447–59.
- ExternalFreathy, R., and Doney, J. (2025), ‘The RE-searchers Approach: an exposition of methodologically oriented religious education through metaphor, analogy and allegory’, British Journal of Religious Education, online
- ExternalOfsted (2021), ‘Research review series: religious education'
- ExternalOfsted (2024), ‘Deep and meaningful? The religious education subject report’
- ExternalPett, S. (2022), Religion and Worldviews in the Classroom: Developing a Worldviews Approach – A Draft Resource for Curriculum Developers (London: Religious Education Council of England and Wales)
- ExternalPett, S. (2024), Developing a Religion and Worldviews Approach in Religious Education in England: A Handbook for Curriculum Writers (London: Religious Education Council of England and Wales)
- ExternalReligious Education Council of England and Wales (2023), National Content Standard for Religious Education in England (London: RE Council)
For further reading about ways of knowing
- ExternalEpistemic Insight: A guidebook to building an epistemically insightful learning experience in primary schools (Canterbury Christ Church University, 2021)
- ExternalAn introduction to Pondering Time with Living Difference IV (Hampshire County Council, 2021)
- ExternalGetting better at ways of knowing in RE (Lincoln Diocese, 2023)
- ExternalMetacognition and Self-Regulated Learning Guidance Report (Education Endowment Foundation, 2018)
- ExternalThe RE-searchers: A New Approach to Religious Education in Primary Schools (2015) by Giles Freathy, Rob Freathy, Jonathan Doney, Karen Walshe and Geoff Teece
- ExternalShattering the subject silos: learning about big questions and epistemic insight (2020) by Berry Billingsley and Lee Hazeldine
- ExternalWhat should we be assessing in religious education, the arts and humanities? (2024) by Benjamin Wood