Religious Education
Stop Press! New Non-statutory Guidance on RE (Jan 2010)
The place of Religious Education in the curriculum
Religious Education (RE) is an important element of a broad and balanced education and along with the subjects of the National Curriculum, forms the basic curriculum.
Along with the other subjects of the National Curriculum, RE aims:
- to provide for all pupils to learn and achieve
- to promote the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils and prepare them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life.
Download the Newcastle Diocesan Religious Education Syllabus here. Like the national curriculum, it has four purposes:
- To establish an entitlement: The diocesan syllabus determines learning in Religious Education in voluntary aided schools for all pupils, irrespective of social background, culture, race, religion, gender, differences in ability and disabilities. This learning contributes to pupils’ developing knowledge, skills, understanding and attitudes which are necessary for their personal fulfilment and development as active and responsible citizens.
- To establish standards: The diocesan syllabus makes expectations for learning and attainment explicit to pupils, parents, teachers, governors, employers and the public. It establishes standards for the performance of all pupils in Religious Education which can be used to help pupils and teachers set targets for improvement and evaluate progress towards them.
- To promote continuity and coherence: The diocesan syllabus contributes to a coherent curriculum that promotes continuity. It aids the transition of pupils between schools and phases of education and can provide a foundation for further study and lifelong learning.
- To promote public understanding: The diocesan syllabus aims to increase public understanding of, and confidence in the work of church schools in Religious Education. It recognises and takes account of the involvement of local and national bodies and the interest of particular groups, in Religious Education.
Governors in voluntary aided schools are expected to adopt and adapt the diocesan syllabus (revised in 2005) and commended by the Bishop
Inspection of denominational RE is carried out under Section 48 of the Education Act, 2005 by nationally trained and accredited inspectors using the Statutory Inspection of Anglican Schools (SIAS) framework produced by the National Society
Withdrawal
Parents have every right to withdraw their children from Religious Education. However, parents are encouraged to discuss the matter with the Head Teacher before a final decision on withdrawal is made. Parents should be left in no doubt that RE, in a church school, as in any school, is concerned with the development of the whole person with proper respect for individual freedom.