Religious Education
Religion and belief have become more visible in public life in recent years, making it important that all pupils should have an opportunity to engage in RE. However, the parent of a pupil at a community, foundation or voluntary school (or pupils themselves if they are aged 18 or over) may request that they be excused from all or part of the religious education (RE) provided.
Parents who wish to withdraw their children from RE should be aware of its aims and what is covered in the RE curriculum and that they are given the opportunity to discuss this if they wish. It should be made clear whether the withdrawal is from the whole RE curriculum or specific parts of it. No reasons need be given.
Important - limitations to withdraw
- If pupils are withdrawn from RE, schools have a duty to supervise them, though not to provide additional teaching. A pupil may be required to work in another area of the school, such as library or break out area.
- Whilst parents or carers have a right to withdraw children from RE, they should note that children may also encounter religions and beliefs and wider aspects of faith in other areas of the curriculum from which there is no right of withdrawal.
- On occasion, spontaneous questions about religious matters are raised by pupils or issues related to religion arise in other curriculum subjects such as history or citizenship (PSHE) For example, schools promote community cohesion and help pupils to understand ideas about identity and diversity, feelings and emotions within both religious and non-religious contexts.
Managing the Right of Withdrawal
If pupils are withdrawn from RE, schools have a duty to supervise them, though not to provide additional teaching or to incur extra cost. Pupils will usually remain on school premises where it is feasible and appropriate.
Where a request for withdrawal is made, the school must comply and excuse the pupil until the request is rescinded. Though not legally required, it is good practice for a head teacher to invite parents to discuss their written request.
(Section 71(3), School Standards and Framework Act 1998).
‘Religions are different roads converging to the same point. What does it matter that we take different roads as long as we reach the same goal? In reality, there are as many different religions as there are individuals.’
Gandhi
Intent
At Manor Drive Primary Academy, our intent for Religious Education (RE) is to cultivate pupils’ knowledge and understanding of a wide range of faiths and worldviews, while fostering respect, empathy, and open-mindedness. We are committed to encouraging pupils to become knowledgeable, reflective, and considerate members of society, equipped with a powerful and extensive breadth of substantive knowledge.
Our curriculum aims to:
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Promote respect and inclusivity: Encourage pupils to value those with different faiths and beliefs, developing their sense of identity and belonging through self-awareness and reflection.
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Knowledge of world religions and non-religious perspectives: Provide pupils with a broad understanding of the principal religions, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism, alongside non-religious worldviews.
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Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural (SMSC) development: Support pupils in making connections between religious beliefs, cultural practices, and their own lives, preparing them for life in modern Britain.
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Critical thinking and reflection: Empower pupils to express their own ideas, ask meaningful questions, and evaluate and challenge ideas within a safe environment that promotes open dialogue.
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Cultural awareness and responsibility: Nurture a deeper appreciation of the diverse cultural contexts of religious practices, enabling pupils to connect learning to their community and the wider world.
Implementation
At Manor Drive Primary Academy, our intent for Religious Education (RE) is to cultivate pupils’ knowledge and understanding of a wide range of faiths and worldviews, while fostering respect, empathy, and open-mindedness. We are committed to encouraging pupils to become knowledgeable, reflective, and considerate members of society, equipped with a powerful and extensive breadth of substantive knowledge.
Our curriculum aims to:
-
Promote respect and inclusivity: Encourage pupils to value those with different faiths and beliefs, developing their sense of identity and belonging through self-awareness and reflection.
-
Knowledge of world religions and non-religious perspectives: Provide pupils with a broad understanding of the principal religions, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism, alongside non-religious worldviews.
-
Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural (SMSC) development: Support pupils in making connections between religious beliefs, cultural practices, and their own lives, preparing them for life in modern Britain.
-
Critical thinking and reflection: Empower pupils to express their own ideas, ask meaningful questions, and evaluate and challenge ideas within a safe environment that promotes open dialogue.
-
Cultural awareness and responsibility: Nurture a deeper appreciation of the diverse cultural contexts of religious practices, enabling pupils to connect learning to their community and the wider world.
Impact
The impact of our RE curriculum is seen in the knowledge, skills, and values that pupils develop throughout their time at Manor Drive Primary Academy.
Pupils:
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Extend knowledge and understanding of major religions, non-religious worldviews, and cultural practices.
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Develop a rich religious vocabulary and can interpret religious symbolism in a variety of forms.
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Become critical thinkers and empathetic individuals, able to articulate their own views, show respect for others’ beliefs, and engage thoughtfully in dialogue about religion and morality.
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Demonstrate positive behaviours and attitudes, contributing to a harmonious and inclusive school ethos.
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Are prepared for life in a multicultural society, showing social awareness, sensitivity, and respect for diversity.
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Combat prejudice and promote tolerance, with discernment that helps them challenge division and prejudice in the wider world.
Our pupils leave Manor Drive Primary Academy as well-informed, reflective, and respectful individuals, ready to thrive in secondary education and beyond, and to take their place as compassionate, responsible global citizens.