At St Simon and St Jude we follow the new Leicestershire agreed syllabus and Understanding Christianity for our RE teaching and learning.

RE lessons are taught weekly and most units are covered in a half term. Some units are taught over two half terms so the children are able to revisit learning that may be new.

We want children to develop a deeper understanding of the ideas and concepts introduced in RE as well as giving children a knowledge about different faiths and belief systems. This is so that children develop a better understanding of their own faith and beliefs as well as a better understanding of the wider community.

The curriculum is organised so that in most years children learn about Christianity and usually one other major world religion.

Children learn to respect people from all faiths and none.

Can a parent withdraw their child from RE?

In the UK, parents still have the right to withdraw their children from RE on the grounds that they wish to provide their own RE. This provision will be the parents’ responsibility. This right of withdrawal exists for all pupils in all types of school, including schools with and without a religious designation.

The request should be in writing to the Headteacher of the school and should make clear to them whether it is from all the subject or just part. The school has to make it clear what the educational objectives and the content of RE are so parents can make an informed choice. Where a parent withdraws their child, the school has a duty to supervise them – but not to provide additional teaching or incur cost. 

When a request to withdraw is received by a school, the request should be granted without delay. The school may offer to speak with the parent to try to understand the basis for the withdrawal but only after the request has been granted. The school must make clear that the parent’s right to withdraw their child has been granted and that they are not required to give reasons for their request. Should parents take up the offer of a discussion, the school may seek to establish the religious issues about which the parent objects to their child being taught. Discussion may include the practical implications of withdrawal and the circumstances in which it may be reasonable to accommodate their wishes. Practical examples of how a school may reassure a parent who has withdrawn their child may include inviting the parent to observe a RE lesson, discussing curriculum documents and discussing the aims of RE in your school with them.