Resources for RE in schools

Religious Education is a key subject and must be taught in all maintained schools. It is not part of the National Curriculum but part of the Basic Curriculum.

Every Local Authority is required to establish a Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education known as S.A.C.R.E.. They advise the Local Authority in matters concerning Religious Education and Collective Worship. Religious Education in Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools follows the Agreed Syllabus which specifies what should be taught and gives details of arrangements, in line with the Framework for Religious Education. The Agreed Syllabus is reviewed every five years.

In Voluntary Aided (VA) Schools, the Governing Body is responsible for determining what is taught in Religious Education and the amount of curriculum time spent on RE. In the Diocese of Truro most VA schools use the Agreed Syllabus.

Religious Education should be taught for at least 5% of the total curriculum time in an academic year, but in Voluntary Aided schools Religious Education may take up a larger percentage of curriculum time if the Governors so determine. Parents can however withdraw their children in whole or part from Religious Education where they object in conscience to the Religious Education provided by the school.

Celebrating RE in Cornwall

March 2011 sees a national month of RE celebrations. The aim is to raise the profile of religious education and to publicise the value and importance of RE to our children and young people. Here are some of the entries from schools within the county to illustrate what RE means to them.