Nacton C of E Primary School
Building Firm Foundations for Life
Religious Education
RE Curriculum Overview
RE learning journey
RE Knowledge Gems
In each RE enquiry we build on our knowledge though our gems centred around; THEOLOGY, SOCIOLOGY and PHILOSOPHY. The knowledge gems are the key things we learn and try to remember. We apply our learning using our previous RE knowledge and skills.
I am a theologian because I understand where beliefs come from and how they relate to each other. I study religious texts and stories. Theology in RE involves enquiry into: | I am a sociologist because I explore the diverse ways in which people come together to practise their beliefs. Sociology in RE involves exploration of: | I am a philosopher because I because I think critically about religion and belief. Philosophy in RE involves exploration of: |
Key beliefs / concepts of a religion or worldview, both distinctive and shared Sources of authority for religious beliefs e.g. sacred texts, religious leaders, divine revelation Particular beliefs about God, humanity, life, and the nature of an after-life Differences in interpretation of key beliefs and changes in religious belief across time / culture | Different customs, celebrations and rituals based on religious and secular beliefs The influence of sacred texts and religious leaders on communities Diverse interpretations of religious practices in different societies locally and globally, and at different times Moral, ethical and practical lifestyle choices based on secular or religious worldviews | Ultimate questions of truth, morality, purpose and meaning in life Questions arising from religious and secular standpoints, texts or customs Conflicting answers offered by religious and non-religious groups and individuals Changes in questions / answers over time and across societies |
The Right of Withdrawal from 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 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).