Rationale
Religious Education is an integral part of our balanced curriculum at Newhall Park Primary School. Newhall park serves a diverse community with staff and pupils from many different religious, cultures and faiths. Our curriculum aims to provide rich experiences, which teaches our children about different religious and non-religious beliefs and practices within the local community and beyond.
Religious Education at Newhall Park aims to extend children’s thinking and broaden their understanding of different religions, cultural backgrounds and faiths. The teaching of RE fosters a respect for the unique social, cultural and religious backgrounds within our school, community and wider world and gives children the tools to celebrate diversity and challenges stereotypes. Through an enquiry based approach, children have the opportunity to thoughtfully gain insight and a deeper understanding in an engaging and exciting way.
Our aims in the teaching and learning of RE are as follows:
- Equip and educate children for a world of diversity.
- Support the spiritual and moral development of every child.
- Nurture children as critical thinkers.
- Provide a safe enquiry space to refine their knowledge.
- Enhance community cohesion and develop empathy and respect.
At Newhall Park our overarching objective at Newhall Park is that our children become fully rounded members of society who treat each other with mutual respect and therefore, the teaching of British Values enhances our RE curriculum and plays an imperative part of our wider curriculum.
Religious Education at Newhall Park is taught in line with the Bradford Agreed syllabus – Discovery RE.
RE Vision
Miss McKeown and Mrs Manning ‘As RE leaders at Newhall Park Primary School, we want RE to be more than just a subject – it’s a chance for our children to explore, respect and celebrate the diversity of faiths and worldviews that shape the world we live in. Our aim is to help children grow into thoughtful, open-minded individuals who are ready to embrace the modern world we live in. For us, teaching RE allows us to celebrate our diverse community and build knowledge of people and communities within Bierley, Bradford and beyond.
Our lessons encourage pupils of all year groups to show respect and empathy whilst showing an understanding of our own and others’ beliefs. Our curriculum is designed to include discussion and communication at the centre of RE whilst being able to challenge stereotypes and prejudices they may encounter in society today or within social media. We’re aiming to inspire the children of Newhall Park to be kind, informed and confident individuals who are ready to make a positive difference in the world.’
Parental Right of Withdrawal from Religious Education
Under the 1988 Education Reform Act, Parents or Carers have the legal right to withdraw their child from Religious Education.
Parents or carers can choose to withdraw their children from Religious Education lessons or Collective Worship without providing a reason, school is legally required to respect this decision. Parents are responsible for providing suitable alternative work of a religious nature.
School requires a written request to the headteacher to formalise withdrawal from Religious Education or Collective Worship.