RE

 

The importance of religious education

Religious education provokes challenging questions about the ultimate meaning and purpose of life, beliefs about God, the self and the nature of reality, issues of right and wrong and what it means to be human. It develops pupils’ knowledge and understanding of Christianity, other principal religions, other religious traditions and other world views that offer answers to questions such as these. It offers opportunities for personal reflection and spiritual development. Religious education helps our pupils to:

  • Develop a positive attitude towards other people, respecting their right to hold different beliefs from their own and towards living in a society of many religions and beliefs;
  • Acquire and develop knowledge and understanding of Christianity and the other principal religions and non-religious world views represented in our community
  • Develop an understanding of the influence of beliefs, values and traditions on individuals communities societies and cultures;
  • Develop the ability to make reasoned and informed judgments about religions and moral issues with reference to their own beliefs and those of others
  • Enhance their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development
  • Religious education also contributes to the promotion of fundamental British Values

 

Exercise of Right of Withdrawal

Parents have a right to withdraw their child/ren from religious education. The parental right to withdraw a child should be freely exercisable and the school must give effect to any such request. To avoid misunderstanding, the school will clarify with any parent wanting to exercise the right of withdrawal:

  • the elements of RE to which the parent objects; and
  • the practical implications of withdrawal. Parents will be asked to provide the alternative RE, which they consider more appropriate for their child, in discussion with the school management. 

Collective Worship and Assemblies

Our assemblies take place every morning and are broadly Christian in character, but a wide variety of religious beliefs are also covered giving a broad balance. We explain the humanities of life with emphasis on living together happily, helping each other and growing up to be valuable members of society. The most important festivals of the main religions are acknowledged and often celebrated. Our approach follows the Lewisham Agreed Syllabus.

The 1944 Education Act, Section 25, gives parents the right to withdraw their child from assemblies/religious education. Please contact the Headteacher if you wish to take advantage of this.

Our Monday Praise Assembly is special because it starts the week off by praising children’s good work and good behaviour. Children are given certificates and a special round of applause. This is a very popular assembly both with staff and children.