Where we respect other people's beliefs and differences

In our Church of England Primary School, the intent of Religious Education (RE) is to provide high quality teaching and learning opportunities to enable children to develop knowledge and understanding of the Christian Faith and its significance in the lives of believers.  Our progressive curriculum promotes understanding and respect from different faiths, beliefs and traditions represented in Great Britain today.  We believe that it is important to encourage and inspire children to be aware and open minded to the identity and diversity of other religions and cultures including those represented in our local community.

At Sandal Castle Primary, the teaching of Christianity is at the core of our RE Curriculum and we work closely with St. Helen’s Church to further embed the Church of England’s fundamental values for education; wisdom, hope, community and dignity.

Through effective RE teaching, we strive to nurture pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development which supports children’s personal growth and well-being.

 

Statement of Entitlement

The statutory requirements for religious education were set out in the 1944 Education Act and then amended in the Education Act 1988 and restated in subsequent Acts of Parliament. These requirements apply to all maintained schools and state that Religious Education shall be provided for all registered pupils.

The subject should be taught, according to the agreed syllabus, in all Local Authority community maintained and voluntary controlled schools. Religious Education must ‘reflect the fact that the religious traditions of Great Britain are in the main Christian whilst taking account of the teaching and practice of other principal religions represented in Great Britain’.

The religious education syllabus is distinct from collective worship

The Right of Withdrawal: 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 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 withdrawal

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.

We ask that parents wishing to withdraw pupils from RE, contact the headteacher to discuss this matter and/or put the request in writing.

(Section 71(3), School Standards and Framework Act 1998).