RE is an important curriculum subject. It is important in its own right and also makes a unique contribution to the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils and supports wider community cohesion.
Religion and beliefs inform our values and are reflected in what we say and how we behave. RE is an important subject in itself, developing an individual’s knowledge and understanding of the religions and beliefs which form part of contemporary society. Religious education provokes challenging questions about the ultimate meaning and purpose of life, beliefs about God, the self and the nature of reality, issues of right and wrong, and what it means to be human. It can develop pupils’ knowledge and understanding of Christianity, of other principal religions, other religious traditions and worldviews that offer answers to questions such as these.
RE also contributes to pupils’ personal development and well-being and to community cohesion by promoting mutual respect and tolerance in a diverse society. RE can also make important contributions to other parts of the school curriculum such as citizenship, personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE education), the humanities, education for sustainable development and others. It offers opportunities for personal reflection and spiritual development, deepening the understanding of the significance of religion in the lives of others – individually, communally, and cross-culturally.
In early Years we focus on three key themes: special people, special places and special times. Special people theme explores children’s a sense of belonging: what is special about me, who do we think are special and how can we make others feel special. Special place’s theme explores what makes certain places feel special, what is a place of worship and why is our world a special place. Finally, special times studies the special times of a school day, special occasions throughout the year and does everyone celebrate in the same way.
In Key Stage 1 and 2, the areas of Religious Education covered include the faiths of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, World Views, Sanatana Dharma, and Buddhism (the largest worldwide religions, in order to encompass the culturally diverse experiences and population of our society today. In addition, each year group looks at similarities and differences within and between religious and non-religious worldviews.
Parents have the right to withdraw their children from religious education and/or collective worship.