Religious Education

At The Kingsbrook School, we believe it is essential that our students should learn about the differences within society, including the religious diversity in the UK.  Learning about and celebrating diversity underpins developing tolerance and respect for others and is a critical component of character development.   All state funded schools, including free schools and academies are legally required to teach Religious Education (RE) to all pupils at all key stages. RE is a necessary part of a ‘broad and balanced curriculum’ and must be provided for all registered pupils in England. At The Kingsbrook school RE is an important and distinct part of our unique 'Enquiry' curriculum, details of which are available here.

The RE curriculum, drawn up by a SACRE (the standing advisory committee for RE – Buckinghamshire SACRE accessible here) or used by an academy or free school, ‘shall reflect the fact that the religious traditions in Great Britain are mainly based on Christianity, while taking account of the teaching and practices of the other principal religions represented in Great Britain’. Current guidance from the Government makes clear that the breadth of RE includes the six principal religions of the UK and nonreligious worldviews.

Lessons at The Kingsbrook School adhere to the advice and guidance from the Buckinghamshire SACRE and students are taught from a neutral standpoint, allowing them to learn about others, empower them to show respect and tolerance to
different religions and flourish as confident knowledgeable young people who can make long lasting relationships.

It is recognised however, that some guardians may prefer that their children do not receive religious education at school. The School Standards and Framework Act 1998 states that parents have the right to withdraw their children from all of the Religious Education offered. This provision will then become the parents’ responsibility. This right of withdrawal exists for all pupils in all types of school, including schools with and without a religious designation. Parents also have the
right to withdraw their child from specific parts of RE, and can do so without giving any explanation.

This right extends to all pupils from age 11 upwards.

Parents who are considering exercising the right of withdrawal may wish to discuss the matter with Mrs Mona Kerr, Head of Enquiry. You should contact her via email if you would like to arrange a telephone appointment. In the case that you wish to continue in the choice to withdraw your child, this will need to be discussed further in a meeting with Mrs Simpson.

1. A written request should be sent to Mrs Kerr, Head of Enquiry via email on mkerr@kingsbrook.org.uk
2. A meeting will then be scheduled with Mrs Simpson, Headteacher to discuss the request.
3. Once granted, the withdrawal will be kept on file to ascertain which children are excused from a particular section of the programme so that alternative work may be arranged for them.

Please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Kerr if there are any questions in relation to any aspects of the RE curriculum.