Why is Religious Education important?
Religious Education has never been more relevant, engaging or challenging as religion and religious issues are in the news every day. For pupils to be able to understand our constantly changing world they need to be able to interpret religious issues & evaluate their significance. Religious Education gives students valuable insights into the diverse beliefs and opinions held by people today. It helps with their own personal development and supports an understanding of the spiritual, moral, social and cultural questions that surface again and again in their lives. In tackling difficult questions, it provides pupils with insight that can work to challenge stereotypes, promote cohesion, and tackle extremism. RE does important work encouraging young people to value themselves and the communities within which they live.
Religious Education
- Is relevant for all children, whatever their religion or beliefs
- Teaches understanding of world religions and beliefs.
- Shows how religion influences individuals, families, communities and cultures.
- Explores the political and social impact of religion.
- Encourages reflection on issues of justice and truth.
- Provokes questions about the meaning of life.
- Offers opportunities for personal reflection.
- Develops and affirms personal identity and responsible citizenship.
- Prepares children for adult life.
Religious Education can help:
- Promote respect for self and others.
- Contribute to an understanding of history and culture.
- Enhance our understanding of global affairs.
- Develop personal well-being and happiness.
- Safeguard ethical standards in public life.
- Generate social and community cohesion.
- Tackle extremism and religious discrimination
In Religious Education pupils learn about:
- What people believe
- How people show their beliefs in their daily lives
- How people explain what they believe & understand using symbols & stories
This helps children & young people to:
- Make sense of who they are.
- To have opportunity to have their views challenged.
- Make sense of life.
- Make sense of right & wrong.
- To develop tolerance and respect for other people’s beliefs
- To develop their critical view
- To be better informed citizens
What do we study in Religious Education?
Year 7
- Does Jesus make any difference in people’s lives today?
- Should religious buildings be sold to feed the starving?
- What difference does values make?
Year 8
- What does Hinduism teach us about the nature of God & ways to show devotion to God?
- What is it like to follow a Muslim way of life in Britain today?
- Does religion help people to be good?
Year 9
- Does God exist?
- Why is there suffering? Are there any solutions?
- Is religion a power for peace or a cause of conflict in the world today?