RE INTENT

At Carter’s we believe that it is vital for all our pupils to learn from and about religion, so that they can understand the world around them. Through Religious Education, pupils develop their knowledge of the world faiths, and their understanding and awareness of the beliefs, values and traditions of other individuals, societies, communities and cultures. We encourage that all pupils will be curious in order to gain a better understanding about the world and to reflect on their own beliefs, values and experiences; this will enable our children to understand the importance of tolerance and will help build them of good character.

We believe that RE is a core element of a child’s learning for life. It enables children to learn from and about religion. It equips children to interact with others and understand different world views that may be different to their own views. RE helps us to appreciate the meaning religion and faith has for different people and how this shapes their lives and behaviour. Our curriculum is designed to encourage creativity, enquiry, debate, discussion, research and independence. Our curriculum is inclusive to all. Our intent is:

• To follow the Lancashire Agreed Syllabus SACRE
• To promote the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils
• To prepare pupils at Carter’s for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life.
• 'To support pupils' personal search for meaning by exploring answers offered by religion and belief.'
• To teach open minded religious education, which is inclusive: all pupils develop their own beliefs and values through RE.
• For all children to have a broad knowledge of key religions in UK: Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism and Sikhism.
• For children to display understanding, tolerance and values; that are linked with Carter’s values

The Right of Withdrawal from Religious Education:

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 (or pupils themselves if they are aged 18 or over) 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. No reasons need be given

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 work in another area of the school, such as library or break out area. 
• 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.

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 head teacher to invite parents to discuss their written request. 

(Section 71(3), School Standards and Framework Act 1998).