Religious Education

People have always engaged in activities that we now call religion; rituals, prayer, worship. Religions have asked fundamental questions, such as: What is the true meaning of life? What happens to us after death? How do we explain human suffering and injustices?

Our R.E. curriculum uses an enquiry approach to provide children with the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to engage thoughtfully and positively with this important aspect of culture and life.

Each term, lessons are organised around a question, which is explored through learning about religious texts, stories and practices. Enquiries provide the opportunity to learn facts about a religion - what people believe, what texts say, how and where people worship, how they celebrate festivals, etc. They also develop skills of enquiry, reflection, curiosity, critical thinking and empathy. 

Christianity is taught in every year group with Christmas and Easter being studied from different perspectives using different questions each year. Other religions, (including Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism) are introduced through the education cycles.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Sh2oukxDDJdDqrmuiw1gYDpafRHx8t4I

The Right to Withdraw

In accordance with Section 71 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998, parents and carers have the right to withdraw their child from all or part of RE lessons and collective worship.

• No Obligation to Provide Reasons: Parents do not need to give a reason for requesting a withdrawal.

• Full or Partial Withdrawal: You may request that your child be removed from specific modules or from the entire RE curriculum.

• Alternative Provision: The school will supervise withdrawn pupils safely during these times. However, schools are not required or funded to provide alternative teaching or additional curriculum content during RE periods; pupils will typically spend this time on supervised quiet reading or independent study.

Requesting a Withdrawal

We encourage parents to speak with us before making a formal request. Often, an informal chat clarifies how topics are taught—focusing on factual enquiry and cultural understanding rather than religious instruction or practice.

If you wish to proceed with withdrawing your child, please follow these steps:

1. Contact the Headteacher: Submit a written request to the Headteacher outlining whether the request covers all RE lessons or specific topics/events.

2. Consultation Meeting: The Headteacher or RE Lead will arrange a brief conversation to discuss practical arrangements, supervisory expectations, and appropriate alternative activities during these time slots.

3. Confirmation: Once agreed, the school will formally log the arrangement and inform the relevant class teacher.