Quotes that guide us: ‘No colour, no religion, no nationality should come between us, we are all children of God,’ Mother Teresa.
‘RE is like an iceberg. As you unpack ideas, you come to understand deeper meaning.’ Anon
Why is it important to teach RE? (Intent) Religious Education (RE) is a compulsory subject in the state education system in England, despite it not being part of the National Curriculum. Schools are required to teach a programme of religious studies according to local and national guidelines. As well as being an obligation, we believe much can be gained from RE lessons
Learning about religion and learning from religion are important for all pupils, as Religious Education (RE) helps pupils develop an understanding of themselves and others. RE promotes the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of individuals and of groups and communities. Good teaching of RE will inspire in pupils a curiosity, fascination and understanding about the values, beliefs and traditions of people around the world – including themselves. The teaching and understanding of respecting diversity is at the core of British Values and is delivered throughout our RE curriculum.
Key Concepts:
Curriculum Design (Implementation) Our Trust RE curriculum is based on the Plymouth Agreed Syllabus 2020 – 2024 and will be adapted and amended to follow the new Plymouth Agreed Syllabus 2024-2009 throughout the 2024-2025 academic year. It follows a four-year rolling programme to allow for appropriate provision for mixed age classes. The religions studied in KS2 include Christianity, Hinduism, Islam Judaism, along with world views such as humanism. In KS1 the religions covered include Christianity, Islam and Judaism.
What we do well as a Trust (Impact) It is clear to us as a Trust that religious education is not religious instruction. The “material” of religious education stands separately as an object for study and exploration and, as such, the personal beliefs of the pupils and teachers are “irrelevant”. It is every pupil’s entitlement to have access to the key concepts underpinning religions and beliefs whether they are of that tradition or not. |
Withdrawal from RE
At Beechwood Primary Academy we believe that quality RE teaching enables children to understand and explore the beliefs of others and the impact that these beliefs have on how they live. In turn, children are able to acquire the knowledge, understanding and skills required to handle questions of religion and belief and become learners who reflect on their own personal ideas, beliefs and values.
However, parents do have the right to withdraw their children from Religious Education and/or collective worship. From the age of 16, pupils can choose for themselves to opt out of collective worship if they wish. However, they cannot opt out of receiving religious education without parental consent until they are 18.
If you would like to withdraw your child from RE, please contact the Head of School.