Religious Education

News

New Directions for Church School Religious Education
Free Conference in London 13 July 2012
National Society Conference for RE Heads of Department in Secondary Schools and Academies

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Religious Education is important

Religious Education is an academic subject giving children and young people an understanding of how beliefs and values affect our lives. Pupils in Church schools learn about Christianity and other major religious and non religious views. Christianity lies at the heart of the curriculum because church schools reflect the Christian gospel in all they do. The youngest pupils are introduced to Christianity
as a living faith related to the values, attitudes, relationships and aspirations exemplified in the school community. They are not expected to become committed Christians. Pupils from all faiths and none enjoy engaging and inspiring RE related to real life experience.

Frequently asked questions

Can pupils be withdrawn from Religious Education?

How much curriculum time is devoted to religious education?

Is there a difference between religious education and collective worship in a church school?

Is religious education compulsory beyond year 10?

Aims of RE

RE in church schools aims to help children and young people to:

  • think theologically and explore questions of life and death, meaning and purpose;
  • reflect critically on the truth claims of Christian belief;
  • see how the truth of Christianity is relevant today and face the challenge of Jesus' teaching in a pluralist and post modern society;
  • develop the skills to handle the Bible text;
  • recognise that faith is not based on a positive balance of probabilities but on commitment to a particular way of understanding God and the world;
  • respond in terms of beliefs, commitments and ways of living;
  • develop a sense of themselves as significant, unique and precious;
  • experience the breadth and variety of the Christian community;
  • engage in thoughtful dialogue with other faiths and traditions;
  • become active citizens, serving their neighbour;
  • find a reason for hope in a troubled world;
  • understand how religious faith can sustain them in difficult circumstances and in the face of opposition.

In church Voluntary Aided schools and Academies, RE is determined by the governors in accordance with the trust deed/Anglican designation. In Voluntary Controlled and foundation church schools the locally agreed syllabus is used.

Diocesan syllabus

RE Guidance

RE latest information: National Society bicentenary celebrations 2011 
Celebrating RE  400th Anniversary of the King James Bible

Continual Professional Development link to endorsed programmes

Diocesan Syllabus Diocesan Boards of Education may produce denominational schemes of work or syllabus guidance. They may advise VA schools to use a locally agreed syllabus with additional denominational curriculum material. Christianity is given prominence in diocesan syllabuses, in line with the foundation of the school, and other faiths are taught.  Examples

RE Guidance  to support headteachers and subject leaders in planning of Religious Education in a school with a distinctively Christian character.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can pupils be withdrawn from Religious Education?

Yes. Religious Education guidance in English schools 2010. However parents who choose to send their children to a church school will understand that religion is treated as a very important curriculum subject, the school has a Christian ethos and Christian worship takes place.

How much curriculum time is devoted to Religious Education? 

5% is recommended.

Is there a difference between Religious Education and collective worship in a church school?

Yes.  In Religious Education children and young people are taught about religions and how to learn from religions. They explore faith and belief and its implications for living but are not told what belief they should follow. In collective worship in a church school they experience Christian worship presented in appropriate inclusive ways. They are encouraged to participate and respond as individuals according to their personal faith and development.

Is Religious Education compulsory beyond Year 10?

Yes, including sixth form. Most church schools aspire to offer GCSE in Religious Studies.