Religious Education
At the heart of our RE syllabus is the quest to understand what it is to be human. By learning about and from religion, we can become more open minded, respectful and achieve greater self-awareness. The skills and attitudes developed though RE can thus make a significant contribution to promoting British Values and developing community cohesion.
We believe that through the teaching of RE we can contribute to pupils’ personal development and well-being and develop community cohesion by promoting mutual respect and tolerance in a diverse society. At Whittlefield Primary School, we follow the Lancashire Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education- 'Searching for Meaning, what it is to be human'. This was updated in 2021.
This syllabus, approved in line with the law, by the Agreed Syllabus Conference, SACRE and the Local Authority, explains all the requirements for the RE curriculum in Lancashire schools. It outlines statutory requirements and also the programmes of study for each key stage.
Through RE, we aim to provide opportunities for children to;
develop an awareness of spiritual and moral issues in life experiences
develop knowledge and understanding of major religions and British Values
develop their sense of identity and belonging, preparing them for life as citizens in a multi-faith society
develop an understanding of what it means to be committed to a religious tradition
develop enquiry and response skills through the use of distinctive language, listening and empathy
be able to reflect on their own experiences and to develop a personal response to the fundamental questions of life
develop understanding of religious tradition and beliefs and to appreciate the cultural differences in Britain today
develop investigative and research skills that enable them to make reasoned judgements about religious issues
have respect for other peoples’ views and to celebrate diversity in society
Requests to Withdraw a pupil from RE lessons
Parents have the statutory right under Section 71 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 to request their child/ren are wholly or partly excused from:
RE lessons in accordance with the schools’ basic curriculum
Acts of Collective Worship in schools
As parents, you do not have to provide a reason for requesting the withdrawal. However before exercising any right of withdrawal we would recommend you discuss your concerns with Mrs Thistlethwaite, Headteacher.
Managing the Right of Withdrawal
All requests for withdrawals should be made in writing, addressed to the headteacher.
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 headteacher to invite parents to discuss their written request.
(Section 71(3), School Standards and Framework Act 1998).