Our RE Curriculum Leader is - Mrs L Bailey At High View, we believe that Religious Education (RE) plays a vital role in helping our children understand the diverse world in which we live. Our RE curriculum introduces pupils to the six main world religions — Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Judaism — through six key questions that encourage curiosity, reflection, and respect for others. Here are the questions that make up our curriculum:
Why are these words special?
Why are some times special?
Why are some places special?
What can be learned from significant people of faith?
How can faith contribute to community cohesion?
How do I and others feel about life and the universe around us?
Through these questions, children explore the beliefs, practices, and values that shape the lives of people around the world. Children in EYFS, children do not focus on a specific religion but spend time understanding the world around them and what similarities and differences they can see. In Year 6, our pupils begin to go beyond the questions by looking at current and global events and discussing how the six main religions respond to these issues, for example, how faith communities might support one another during challenges such as the cost-of-living crisis.
At High View, we teach all six religions because our children move on to a variety of secondary schools, each with its own RE focus. By ensuring our pupils have knowledge of all six major faiths, we are helping them to make a confident and positive start in their new schools. We also have high expectations and ambitions for our children. We want them to grow up ready to pursue exciting careers and opportunities, wherever life takes them, and to feel confident meeting people from different backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs.
As a school, we do celebrate a number of Christian festivals as part of our British cultural heritage and community life, such as Harvest, Easter and Christmas. These celebrations include events such as our Easter egg competition, nativity performances, carol singing, church visits, Christmas Fair and our Harvest Festival. These experiences are about celebration, learning, and community. Children take part in regular weekly collective worship which is of a Christian nature, through celebration of achievements, singing and joint reflection. We have a strong link with the local churches who visit school for special ‘open the book’ assemblies based on stories from the Bible and key stage 2 visit a local church for the Christmas Carol Service. We also teach the children about festivals from each religion throughout the year including, Eid-ul Fitr, Diwali, Guru Nanak’s Gurpurab, Hannukah, Wesak. Each year group will have the opportunity to visit a place of worship or be visited by a member of faith to support their understanding and learning of the different religions.
It is important to note that, while we teach about different religions, we do not promote or impose any particular religious views or opinions on our pupils. Our aim is to educate, not persuade, to help children understand a range of beliefs so they can grow to make their own informed choices when they are adults.
A key focus of RE at High View is the promotion of tolerance. Tolerance means understanding, accepting, and respecting that people may have different beliefs, opinions, and ways of life from our own. It does not mean that we must all think or believe the same things, but that we treat others with kindness, fairness, and empathy. Teaching tolerance is vital because it helps our children to become respectful, thoughtful members of society who can live and work peacefully alongside others in an increasingly diverse world.
Your Right to Withdraw from Religious Education (RE) By law, parents can ask for their child to be taken out of all or part of RE at community, foundation or voluntary schools. Young people aged 18 and over can make this decision for themselves. You do not need to give a reason. (School Standards and Framework Act 1998, Section 71(3)) Before deciding, it may help to look at what RE covers and talk it through with the school. You should also make clear whether you want your child withdrawn from all RE or just certain parts. Things to be aware of
If your child is withdrawn, the school will supervise them but doesn’t have to provide extra teaching. They may work somewhere else in school, such as the library.
Withdrawal only applies to RE lessons. Religion and belief may still come up in other subjects (like history, PSHE, or citizenship) and in wider school life. Children may also ask or discuss religious questions during lessons.
The school must agree to your request until you choose to change it. Children usually stay on school premises during this time.
Good to know Although not required by law, headteachers often invite parents to meet and discuss a written withdrawal request before it is put in place.