Religious Education (RE)

At Ruskin Academy, we believe that Religious Education (RE) enables our children to develop into accepting and unprejudiced members of society. RE allows children to explore and understand their own values and beliefs and those of others in their immediate community and beyond.

The teaching of RE equips pupils with systematic knowledge and understanding of a range of religions and worldviews, enabling them to develop their ideas, values and identities. It develops in pupils an aptitude for dialogue, so that they can participate positively in society, with its diverse religions and worldviews.

Religious Education - SACRE

At Ruskin Academy, we follow the Northamptonshire Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education. RE is taught weekly as part of our broad and balanced curriculum.

The curriculum for RE aims to ensure that all pupils:
1. Know about and understand a range of religions and worldviews, so that they can:

• describe, explain and analyse beliefs and practices, recognising the diversity which exists within and between communities and amongst individuals
• identify, investigate and respond to questions posed, and responses offered, by some of the sources of wisdom2 found in religions and worldviews
• appreciate and appraise the nature, significance and impact of different ways of life and ways of expressing meaning.

2. Express ideas and insights about the nature, significance and impact of religions and worldviews, so that they can:

• explain, using reasoned arguments, their ideas about how beliefs, practices and forms of expression influence individuals and communities
• express with increasing discernment their personal reflections and critical responses to questions and teachings about identity, diversity, meaning and value, including ethical issues
• appreciate and appraise varied dimensions of religion.

3. Gain and deploy the skills needed to engage seriously with religions and worldviews, so that they can:

• investigate key concepts and questions of belonging, meaning, purpose and truth, responding creatively
• enquire into what enables different individuals and communities to live together respectfully for the wellbeing of all
• articulate clearly beliefs, values and commitments in order to explain why they may be important in their own and other people’s lives.

Requests to Withdraw a pupil from RE lessons

Parents/carers 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 a parent/carer, 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 your Head of School.