RE

Every pupil has a legal entitlement to RE.

RE is a necessary part of a ‘broad and balanced curriculum’ and must be provided for all registered pupils in state-funded schools in England.

RE is taught with a holistic and inclusive nature at Oswald Road.  Time has been spent, ensuring compliance with the locally agreed syllabus, to make sure the curriculum has a broad coverage of a range of religious and also non-religious beliefs. At Oswald Road, we also ensure the children have a chance to visit a range of religious buildings to further help them learn about the religious beliefs of others. Our RE curriculum ensures that our children have a good understanding of religious beliefs and customs and it helps children to acquire an understanding of, and respect for, their own and others’ cultures and ways of life.

One of the British Values (which schools are required to embed throughout their curriculum) is mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. Our RE curriculum is a key area for this. Also as a Rights Respecting School, we are very clear on Article 14 which is about freedom of thought, belief and religion. This article notes that, ‘Every child has the right to think and believe what they choose and also to practise their religion as long as they are not stopping other people from enjoying their rights’. Our RE curriculum (and the way it is taught) encompasses this article by teaching the children about the beliefs of people of different religions, whilst at all points embedding an individual’s right to their own freedom of thought, belief and religion. This both supports children in their own beliefs and also in further developing respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

Should you be considering withdrawing your child from part or all of the RE curriculum, please email the Headteacher on deborah.howard@oswaldroad.manchester.sch.uk and a discussion/meeting can be arranged to discuss this further. Whilst there is no requirement for you to share your reasoning, a discussion regarding the religious issues you may object to your child(ren) being taught would be a helpful start to the meeting.