Religious Education

"Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one's own beliefs. Rather it condemns the oppression or persecution of others."  John F. Kennedy

Religious Education has a significant role for the development of pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. It promotes respect and open-mindedness towards others with different faiths and beliefs and encourages pupils to develop their sense of identity and belonging through self-awareness and reflection. The principle aim of RE is to engage pupils in an enquiry approach where they can develop an understanding and appreciation for the expression of beliefs, cultural practices and influence of principle religions and worldviews in the local, national and wider global community.

At Mount Nod Primary School, we take pride in our inclusivity and school values. It is essential for our pupils to learn from and about religion, developing their understanding of the multi-cultural, ever-changing world around them.

'Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.' Aristotle

The agreed syllabus enables pupils to develop their knowledge, understanding and tolerance to prepare them for life in a modern, diverse Britain and the wider world. Through the delivery of this, alongside the Milestones, our pupils learn about Christianity and its importance in UK culture and heritage, other major religions in and beyond the United Kingdom, as well as non-religious world views. Pupils have a range of opportunities to explore big questions and develop the skills needed to appraise responses and develop their own views and understanding. We facilliate learning through many channels, such as assemblies that celebrate religious festivals, observing special religious days, visiting places of worship, and inviting visitors to our school who can enhance our understanding of religion. 

“Education breeds confidence. Confidence breeds hope. Hope breeds peace."  Confucius

We use the Coventry and Warwickshire Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education, and this ensures there is a clear progression of skills for RE learning outcomes. These are used alongside our Milestones. The learning outcomes on each key question help teachers to assess, and to devise appropriate learning activities to enable pupils to secure their understanding and skills.

Click here to view our Religious Education Milestones

The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) expectations of what should be taught to pupils across Coventry and Warwickshire:

 

The Right to Withdraw

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 but the school needs to be notified.

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).