Religious Education
Religious Education at Saltaire Primary School is meaningful, relevant and celebrates the rich and diverse cultures of our community. Through the West Yorkshire agreed RE syllabus - Believing and Belonging - our aim is to give pupils a broad understanding of Christianity, world faiths and non-religious beliefs; sometimes referred to as ‘religious literacy’. The RE curriculum supports problem solving and critical thinking skills and will nurture informed and resilient responses to misunderstanding, stereotyping and division. In addition. the syllabus ‘aims to nurture pupils’ awareness of the treasury of diversity as well as sensitivity to the questions and challenges that different views and cultures can present. Ultimately, we all share a common humanity and share this patch of the Earth. In this way it plays a part in helping pupils to discover their own place and journey through life’.
By the end of their Saltaire Primary School Learning Journey, our children will:
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Develop a broad and balanced understanding of religions and worldviews;
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Develop critical thinking skills;
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Broaden their perspectives of faiths and cultures, and develop a deeper understanding of tolerance of diversity;
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Think deeply about their own and other people’s spirituality;
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Develop themselves as positive, participating citizens of the world.
The Purpose of RE in the curriculum
RE is for all pupils in all schools, every pupil has a legal entitlement to RE. It is a necessary part of a ‘broad and balanced curriculum’ and must be provided for all registered pupils in state-funded schools in England, unless withdrawn by their parents (or withdrawing themselves if they are aged 18 or over). This requirement does not apply to pupils below compulsory school age. The ‘basic’ school curriculum includes the National Curriculum, RE, and relationships and sex education.
RE is locally determined, not nationally. It is determined by a locally agreed syllabus recommended by the standing advisory committee for RE (SACRE) for adoption by a local authority. Maintained schools without a religious character must follow the locally agreed syllabus.
The law requires all schools to teach about Christianity and other world faiths. These normally include Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism. However, there is enormous diversity within these traditions, and this is recognised in the school's curriculum planning. The local agreed syllabus (Believing and Belonging) also encourages schools to study other faiths and traditions not included in the six world religions defined in guidance.
Parental right to withdrawal
In the UK, parents have the right to withdraw their children from RE on the grounds that they wish to make their own provision. This alternative will be the parents’ responsibility. This right of withdrawal exists for all pupils in all types of school, including schools with and without a religious designation. Students aged 18 or over have the right to withdraw themselves from RE. Parents also have the right to withdraw their child from part of RE and can do so without giving any explanation.
Unless there are good reasons otherwise, a request to withdraw from RE should be made in writing so there is a clear record. This should be made by email where possible, for the attention of the headteacher via office@saltaireps.co.uk. Opportunity will be given to discuss the request, so this can be properly understood. However, this cannot be made a legal condition nor does a parent have to explain their reasons if they choose not to do so. Once known, there should be a conversation about the practical implications of withdrawal and the circumstances in which it may be reasonable to accommodate their wishes.
Parents may also be offered: an opportunity to observe a lesson; a discussion of the curriculum documents used by the school; and discussing the aims of RE in our school.
If a pupil is withdrawn, the school has a duty of care to look after them, but not to provide alternative education (this would be the responsibility of the parents/carers). Any arrangements made must not incur extra cost for the school or local authority. This time should not be used for other curriculum subject areas, such as extra maths or other lessons.