Religious Education

Our Intent for Religious Education

“I can do all these things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13

At Weston All Saints C of E Church of England Primary School, the aim of Religious Education is to help children to acquire and develop a rich and deep knowledge and understanding of Christianity, as well as many other religious and non-religious worldviews represented in Great Britain – fostering respect for the views of others. 

Our curriculum builds an understanding of the way that religious and non-religious beliefs and values shape our lives and our behaviour, develops the ability to make reasoned and informed judgements about religious and moral issues. As a Church of England school, Religious Education plays an important role, along with all other curriculum areas, particularly PSHE and the teaching of British Values, in enhancing the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of our children. It is sequenced to ensure progression in core aspects of spiritual and moral development in order to fully prepare pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life in modern Britain. 

Religious Education is taught throughout the school in such a way as to reflect the overall aims, values, and philosophy of the school – to nurture spirituality, creativity and excellence. This is done in discreet lessons as well as through collective worship and the weaving of Christian Values through all elements of school life. 

Right of withdrawal 

Parents and carers have the right to request withdrawal of their children from all or part of the RE lessons taught at WASPS if they have a particular reason, such as religious observance. If this is required, parents must apply to the head teacher in writing. Although parents do not need to provide a reason we may invite you to a meeting to explore the reasons for the request. We suggest that all children attend all RE lessons as we believe they help children learn respect and empathy for their views of others; preparing them for life in a multi-cultural society. All lessons are taught from an objective viewpoint and religious beliefs are never taught as fact or the belief held by the school. 

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.