RE

At The Brent we recognise how Religious Education contributes dynamically to children and young people’s education by provoking challenging questions about meaning and purpose in life, beliefs about God, ultimate reality, issues of right and wrong and what it means to be human.

We teach children about and from the religions and worldviews in local, national and global contexts, to discover, explore and consider different answers to thought provoking questions.

We also teach them the skills required to understand, interpret and evaluate texts and other evidence such as images and artefacts. They are supported to articulate clearly and coherently their personal beliefs, ideas, values and experiences while respecting the right of others to differ. Using their Growth Mindsets children take responsibility for their learning showing resilience and respect for the world around them.

‘RE explores big questions about life, to find out what people believe and what difference this makes to how they live, so that pupils can make sense of religion, reflecting on their own ideas and ways of living.’

At The Brent Primary School, we value the importance of Religious Education in helping children understand a range of beliefs, develop respect for others, and explore their own values. However, in line with statutory guidance, parents and carers have the right to withdraw their child from all or part of RE.

If you wish to request a withdrawal, please email office@brent.kent.sch.uk at the start of each academic year, clearly stating your reasons. Parents can request withdrawal from all RE lessons or specific celebrations, but not from individual religions within the curriculum. This is in line with government guidance which allows withdrawal from the subject as a whole, but not selective withdrawal from particular faiths.

Once your request is received, a member of the Senior Leadership Team will be in touch to discuss your concerns, explain the RE curriculum in more detail, and support you in making an informed decision. Our RE curriculum is available on the school website for your reference.

Please note that this process must be repeated annually should you wish for your child to continue to be withdrawn from RE.

Children who are withdrawn from RE will be supervised in another classroom and provided with meaningful alternative work during that time.