Religious Education

The principal aim of RE is to explore what people believe and what difference this makes to how they live, so that pupils can gain the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to handle questions raised by religion and belief; reflecting on their own ideas and ways of living. RE teaches children how to be open-minded and accepting of other people’ faiths and backgrounds. It teaches ethical values and helps to challenge misconceptions, prejudice and ignorance, which can divide society. By teaching children about diversity, we are preparing them to enter a multicultural society. We are also helping to develop their moral and spiritual understanding.

Why We Do What We Do In Religious Education

Subject On A Page - Religious Education

Progression of Knowledge and Skills in Religious Education

Progression Map - Religious Education

Religious Education - the right to withdraw

The law gives parents/carers the right to withdraw their child(ren) from collective acts of worship and/or Religious Education lessons, in accordance with the 1988 Education Reform Act. At Southfield Primary Academy, we respect that right.

The law does not prescribe how religious education should be taught or organised in schools, only that schools should bear in mind that the way RE is taught should reflect the agreed syllabus of the Local Education Authority and the ethos of the school, as well as ensuring that students make good progress, learning about and from the world around them and that Teaching Standards are adhered to. At Southfield Primary Academy, we believe the RE curriculum fulfils this criteria.

Parents/carers have the right to choose whether to withdraw their child from RE If students are withdrawn from RE, schools have a duty to supervise them, though not to provide additional teaching or to incur extra cost; suitable work relating to the child’s religious education should be provided by the parents/carers.

If a parent chooses to withdraw their child from RE, they need to inform the school of their request for their child(ren) to be withdrawn from RE and/or ‘religious assembly’ and whether they intend partial or total withdrawal for their child(ren). This should be either in person or in writing to the Headteacher.