Religious Education

Overall children will leave Foulds having developed:

the ability to make reasoned judgements about religious and moral issues based on a basic understanding of the six main religions (Judaism, Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhi) and a positive attitude to living in a religiously diverse society which encourages them to include and respect people with different views from their own.

This will be developed by fostering:

a knowledge and understanding of the key ideas of Christianity and other world faiths
a basic understanding of the influence of different beliefs, values and traditions on individuals and communities - both now and historically
a curiosity, respect and acceptance of beliefs that are different from our own
participation in discussions of religious and philosophical questions, helping children articulate some of the reasons for their beliefs and the beliefs of others
a knowledge of different religious practices and how they can demonstrate their respect and tolerance towards customs different to their own
an appreciation of the benefit of exploring different faiths in order to:

promote acceptance and understanding of shared values across different faiths
consider and refine their own ethical framework and beliefs

Overall RE learning will be enjoyable, meaningful and contributes to an improved understanding of their own values and those of others.

Pupils will build upon their prior learning and there should be regular opportunities to review the learning that has taken place in previous years, lessons and topics by examining the RE folder.
Teachers are able to plan together in Phases and undertake CPD in RE during Staff Meetings.
Specific RE themed ‘Days’ take place at Foulds and opportunities to hear from visitors/speakers are organised to help encourage awe, wonder and a wider understanding of different religious traditions and customs.
Planning should build in opportunities to explore and reflect children’s own experiences. We also consider how different beliefs impact and influence individuals, families, communities and cultures through class discussion, visits from local religious representatives and case studies.
Planning should be adapted to reflect and include the religions held by particular cohorts and opportunities for other family members to come in to share their experiences in class should be encouraged.

Religious Education the right to withdraw

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 at a community, foundation or voluntary school 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.

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 sit in another area of the school, such as the corridor.
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.

If you wish to request for your child to be withdrawn from RE, please put your request in writing and you will be invited in for a meeting with someone from the Leadership Team.