Religious Education

Heswall Primary School

Kapow's RE Scheme

Kapow Primary’s Religion and worldviews (R&W) scheme of work aims to inspire pupils to become curious, reflective and open-minded thinkers. The intention is for pupils to develop the confidence to ask meaningful questions, explore a range of beliefs and worldviews and reflect on their own values and those of others.

The scheme aims to raise awareness of how religion and worldviews influence individual lives, communities and cultures over time. Its goal is to encourage pupils to become respectful and thoughtful citizens who can engage with diversity and contribute positively to a pluralistic society.

The scheme supports teachers in developing their subject knowledge and confidence, enabling them to deliver engaging and inclusive lessons. The curriculum is designed to be both accessible and ambitious, ensuring that all pupils participate fully and achieve their potential.

Requests to Withdraw a pupil from RE lessons

Parents have the statutory right under Section 71 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 to request their child/ren are wholly or partly excused from:
  • RE lessons in accordance with the schools’ basic curriculum
  • Acts of Collective Worship in schools
As parents, you do not have to provide a reason for requesting the withdrawal. However before exercising any right of withdrawal we would recommend you discuss your concerns with Mr Lawrenson, Headteacher.
 
Important – limitations to withdrawal
If pupils are withdrawn from RE, schools have a duty to supervise them, though not to provide additional teaching.  A pupil may be required to work in another area of the school, such as the shared area or another classroom.
  • Whilst parents or carers have a right to withdraw children from RE, they should note that child/ren may also encounter religions and beliefs and wider aspects of faith in other areas of the National Curriculum from which there is no right of withdrawal.
  • On occasion, spontaneous questions about religious matters are raised by pupils or issues related to religion arise in other curriculum subjects such as history or PSHE. For example, schools promote community cohesion and help pupils to understand ideas about identity and diversity, feelings and emotions within both religious and non-religious contexts.
 
Managing the Right of Withdrawal  
 
All requests for withdrawals should be made in writing, addressed to the headteacher.
 
If pupils are withdrawn from RE, schools have a duty to supervise them, though not to provide additional teaching or to incur extra cost. Pupils will usually remain on school premises where it is feasible and appropriate.
Where a request for withdrawal is made, the school must comply and excuse the pupil until the request is rescinded. Though not legally required, it is good practice for a headteacher to invite parents to discuss their written request.
 
(Section 71(3), School Standards and Framework Act 1998).