"Show me your ways, Lord teach me your paths." (Pslams 25:4)

At Almondsbury Church of England Primary School, we believe that RE is inclusive: it is respectful of all faiths; it is tolerant of all beliefs; it allows children to develop their knowledge and understanding of these faiths and beliefs and enables them to ask and explore life's 'Big Questions'.

To develop pupil’s knowledge and understanding of Christian beliefs and practices so that they understand the importance of the Bible, the role of the Church, and recognise that for Christians their faith provides a way of interpreting life in all its fullness, children are taught Christianity through the SACRE Agreed Scheme of Work ‘Understanding Christianity’.

We follow the South Gloucestershire Scheme of Work for non-Christian units to develop knowledge and understanding of the beliefs and practices of some of the other principal religions such as Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, Sikhism and Humanist beliefs.

Check back here each term to see what the children have been learning about.

This term's Christian value is FRIENDSHIP.

 

Are you looking for how you can reflect at home? Follow the link to Faith@Home for some ideas.

https://www.churchofengland.org/faith-action/faith-home/faith-home-videos

Requests to Withdraw a pupil from RE lessons

Parents have the statutory right under Section 71 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 to request their child/ren are wholly or partly excused from:

• RE lessons in accordance with the schools’ basic curriculum

• Acts of Collective Worship in schools

As parents, you do not have to provide a reason for requesting the withdrawal. However, before exercising any right of withdrawal we would recommend you discuss your concerns with the Executive Headteacher, Head of School or RWE leaders.

 

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If pupils are withdrawn from RE, schools have a duty to supervise them, though not to provide additional teaching.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/middle area. 

• Whilst parents or carers have a right to withdraw children from RE, they should note that child/ren may also encounter religions and beliefs and wider aspects of faith in other areas of the National 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 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  

All requests for withdrawals should be made in writing, addressed to the headteacher.

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 headteacher to invite parents to discuss their written request. 

 

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