Religious Education

R.E. is part of the basic curriculum. The planning, sequencing and intent used at Griffydam Primary School are according to the Leicester Agreed Syllabus for RE (2021-2026)

 Intent

At Griffydam Primary School we strive to create a nurturing ethos which encourages our children to be open-minded, curious and inquisitive. All of which is reflected in our teaching of Religious Education.

The principal aim of our R.E is to discover what people believe and what difference this makes to how they live, allowing our pupils to gain the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to handle questions raised by religion and belief, reflecting on their own ideas and ways of living. This in turn will enable them to be accepting of others, articulate and have a greater understanding of society.

Leicester Agreed Syllabus for RE (2021-2026)

Parents and carers have the statutory right, under Section 71 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998, to withdraw their child from Religious Education (RE) lessons and from acts of Collective Worship in school.

Parents may also request that their child is withdrawn from any lessons or assemblies involving discussions relating to sex and relationships education that fall outside the statutory science curriculum.

You are not required to give a reason for requesting withdrawal.

However, before this right is exercised, we strongly encourage parents to discuss their concerns with the Headteacher at Griffydam Primary School. This ensures we can clarify what is taught, share resources if needed, and explore whether withdrawal is the best option for the child.

What happens if a child is withdrawn?

  • Griffydam Primary School will continue to supervise the pupil, as required by law.
  • The school is not required to provide alternative teaching during this time.
  • Pupils may be asked to work in an alternative supervised space, such as the library or a quiet working area.

Important considerations

While parents can withdraw their child from RE and Collective Worship, they should note that:

  • Children may still encounter religions, worldviews, and themes of faith within other curriculum areas such as history, English, PSHE, or when learning about different cultures.
  • There is no right of withdrawal from these wider curriculum links.
  • Pupils may ask spontaneous questions about religious or cultural matters, and teachers will answer these in a factual, age‑appropriate manner.

As a school, we are committed to promoting respect, diversity, and community cohesion, which naturally involves exploring different beliefs and cultures across the curriculum.