Religious Education
Religious Education (RE) has an important place in the curriculum. At Studfall Junior Academy, we nurture by providing opportunities for the children to develop their understanding of people, culture, faiths and relationships. Our ethos emphasises the importance of RE in helping children to become well-rounded individuals who can positively contribute to society.
Through learning about various beliefs and values, the children are encouraged to believe in their abilities to express their thoughts and feelings in a supportive environment. RE promotes tolerance and respect for others, helping the children to navigate their lives as well as encouraging respective relationships with their peers.
Our ethos helps children understand how both religious and non-religious worldviews offer ways of answering life’s big questions. The children discover how these beliefs shape personal identity, influence moral choices, and contribute to how people make sense of the world and their place within it. Through informed, respectful discussions, the children begin to see the impact worldviews can have on individuals, communities, and wider society.
RE helps children to foster a sense of belonging and understanding of the world around them, as well as supporting their personal development. To help children achieve, we encourage them to develop critical thinking skills that are crucial for their overall cognitive and emotional growth; ensuring everyone is treated with equity, dignity and has fair access to resources and opportunities.
Our academy has adopted the Northamptonshire Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education. This syllabus highlights the importance of drawing on three different lenses to teach and learn within Religious Education; including a theological lens, a sociological lens, and a philosophical lens. This integrated approach enables children to gain a deeper yet balanced understanding of the subject.
Through our approaches to RE, we aim to enhance the spiritual, moral, and cultural development of each child. This forms part of the whole ethos of the academy, which emphasises care for each other and the environment, tolerance, understanding and discipline. The children are introduced to the main concepts of Christianity, while taking account of the teaching and practices of other principal religions represented in Great Britain. Children are encouraged to discuss their own beliefs and the beliefs of others, be tolerant and understand differences.
Parental Right to Withdraw from Religious Education (RE)
We respect the rights of parents and carers regarding their child’s education. Under current legislation, parents and carers have the right to withdraw their child from all or part of Religious Education (RE) lessons. This includes activities related to Religious Education that do not form part of the statutory National Curriculum.
If you wish to exercise this right, we ask that you inform the school in writing, detailing whether you are withdrawing your child from all or specific parts of the RE curriculum. We are happy to discuss any concerns you may have and provide further information to help you make an informed decision.