Religious Education (RE)

Religious Education will engage, inspire, challenge and encourage children. We will equip them with the knowledge and skills to answer challenging questions, explore different religious beliefs, values and traditions. They will develop a more rigorous understanding of the many religious traditions, beliefs and practices that are followed in our multi-cultural society. Out teaching of Religious Education enables pupils to combat prejudice, preparing them for adult life, employment and life-long learning.

All children follow an enquiry based course of Religious Education using the Discovery Syllabus which covers the six main world religions. The agreed syllabus ensures an entitlement to learning in RE. This is irrespective of social background, culture, race, religion, gender, differences in ability and disabilities. It contributes to the development of children’s knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes. These are necessary for their fulfilment and development as active and responsible citizens. The Agreed RE Syllabus provides continuity for the transition of pupils between schools. The children study six different faiths: Christianity, Sikhism, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism. Within these faiths we encourage tolerance of all the beliefs and views and allow the children to:

Acquire knowledge
Respond thoughtfully
Develop morally
Develop socially
Develop spiritually
Develop culturally

We enrich our Religious Education curriculum through visits to local churches and other religious places of worship. Visitors to school are used to broaden the children’s understanding of faith. The children also learn through art, cooking, drama, dance and music. All children are involved in regular acts of collective worship as required by the Education Act of 1988. Again, these assemblies are broadly Christian in nature but, we also recognise and celebrate religious beliefs and festivals of other cultures. Parents have a right to withdraw their children from Religious Education, collective worship or both. Parents considering exercising this right are asked to discuss this with the Head of School so that alternative provision can be organised.