Religious education is a legal entitlement for every pupil and forms part of the basic curriculum as set down in the 1998 Education Act. Religious beliefs and practices play an important part in the lives of many people worldwide. The purpose of religious education is to foster a better understanding of ourselves and others and through this deeper understanding, nurture a more sympathetic attitude to others, regardless of our differences. As a Quaker foundation school, religious education and understanding at William Penn play a particularly special part in our ethos. The school’s Quaker roots influence many daily practices and are valued by the school community. Quaker values, including equality and social justice are supported through religious education and other curriculum areas.
All children receive Religious Education throughout their time at William Penn which is non-denominational and is in line with the Agreed County Syllabus. An integral part of school life is our daily assembly which promotes the school ethos, encourages pride and enhances community spirit.
The school aims to teach religious education so that children may:
- Acquire a knowledge and understanding of the origins, content and development of the Christian religion and of other religions, their traditions and beliefs
- Understand the importance of religious experience and recognise the ways in which these have been interpreted and expressed through a variety of religious traditions
- Appreciate the role of religious beliefs in personal practices, enabling them to develop their own spiritual values
- Identify areas of similarity and difference between the major world religions
- Consider the contribution of religion in the establishment of relationships, family life, friendships and communities
- Develop a positive attitude towards other people and respect their right to hold beliefs that differ from their own
SEND
We recognise that all classes will have children with a wide range of prior knowledge and understanding of world faiths and religious practises and therefore we use a range of teaching and learning styles to ensure that all children, regardless of their ability or understanding, are able to participate, enjoy and learn. Open-ended questions, differentiated tasks and creative arts such as debates, research, quizzes, listening to readings from religious texts, music and online resources such as film clips, all enable the pupils to access the curriculum at their own level and to deepen their understanding through challenging and creative teaching.
Any parents who have reservations about RE and/or Assembly are encouraged to discuss them with the Headteacher before asking for their child to be withdrawn