Religion: Education

Question

The government believes that religious education (RE) is an important subject, developing a pupil’s knowledge and understanding of the religions and beliefs which form part of contemporary society, and serving to inform their own values and behaviours. RE can also contribute to pupils’ personal development and wellbeing, by promoting mutual respect and tolerance in a diverse society. It is an important contributor to the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils, which schools are required to facilitate as per the Education Act 2002.

In school life, RE can develop and nuance the skills required for other parts of the school curriculum such as history, citizenship, and personal, social, health and economic education. Studying RE can serve to improve community cohesion. It provides a key context to develop young people’s understanding and appreciation of diversity, to promote shared values, and to challenge racism and discrimination.

In the Schools White Paper, ‘Opportunity for All’, the department committed to establishing a new arms-length curriculum body. We will work with thousands of teachers to co-design, create and continually improve packages of optional, free, adaptable digital curriculum resources and video lessons. Each subject, including RE, will have a choice of resources, providing variety for teachers. This sector-led approach will draw on expertise and inputs from across the country, involving teachers, schools, trusts, subject associations, national centres of excellence and educational publishers.

The department will continue to support the provision of high-quality RE. Subject knowledge enhancement courses remain available in cases where a School Direct lead school or initial teacher training providers identify applicants who have the potential to become outstanding teachers, but who need to increase their subject knowledge in a range of subjects. This includes an eight week RE course.