Religious Education

At Queen Victoria, Religious Education has an important part to play as part of a broad, balanced and coherent curriculum to which all pupils are entitled. RE gives particular opportunities to promote an ethos of respect for others, to challenge stereotypes and to build understanding of other cultures and beliefs as well as developing British values. This contributes to promoting a positive and inclusive school ethos that champions democratic values and human rights. It provokes challenging questions about the meaning and purpose of life, beliefs, the self, issues of right and wrong, and what it means to be human.

RE is taught weekly through the NATRE Primary RE Curriculum which aligns with the Dudley SACRE. This develops pupils’ knowledge and understanding of Christianity, other principal religions, and religious traditions that examine these questions, fostering personal reflection and spiritual development. It also encourages pupils to explore their own beliefs (whether they are religious or non-religious) in the light of what they learn. As they examine issues of religious belief and faith and how these impact on personal, institutional and social ethics, they express their responses, thereby building resilience to anti-democratic or extremist narratives. It also enables pupils to build their sense of identity and belonging, aligned with our CARE values which helps them flourish within their communities and as citizens in a diverse society. It teaches pupils to develop respect for others including people with different faiths and beliefs and helps to challenge prejudice. It prompts pupils to consider their responsibilities to themselves and others, and to explore how they might contribute to their communities and to wider society. It encourages empathy, generosity and compassion.

At any time, all parents have the legal right to withdraw their child from all or part of Religious Education. Any such request will be handled sensitively and respectfully, and parents are encouraged to discuss their wishes with the school to ensure the best possible provision for their child.

• Contact the Headteacher in writing to formally request withdrawal from RE
• Outline whether the withdrawal is full or partial, and from which elements of RE they wish their child to be withdrawn
• Arrange a meeting if requested, so that the school can ensure the decision is fully understood and discuss how the child will be supervised during RE lessons