Religious Education
'RE has the potential, more than any other subject, to have the most powerful and lasting effect on the child’s heart and mind.'
As theologians at Padiham Green, we explore faith, ask big questions and develop our understanding of beliefs, worldviews and values.
At Padiham Green, Religious Education is an important academic subject and a valued part of our curriculum, reflecting our identity as a Church of England school. We want children to develop curiosity about faith, belief and meaning and to have the confidence to explore some of life's big questions.
Our RE curriculum is based on the Blackburn Diocesan Board of Education's Questful RE syllabus and reflects the Church of England's Statement of Entitlement for Religious Education.
Through the study of Christianity and a range of religious and non-religious worldviews, children develop secure knowledge and understanding of beliefs, practices and traditions. Christianity is at the heart of RE in our Church school and is explored as a diverse, global and living faith.
As children move through school, they learn to think and work through the different lenses of theology, philosophy and human and social sciences. They encounter religious stories and sacred texts, beliefs, practices and sources of authority; ask thoughtful questions; analyse and interpret ideas; consider different viewpoints; and reflect on questions of faith, truth, meaning and values.
Our enquiry-based approach encourages children to recognise that there can be diversity both between and within religious and non-religious worldviews. They explore how beliefs are lived out by individuals and communities and how religion and worldviews can shape people's identities, choices and ways of life.
Children are also given opportunities to explore their own developing personal worldviews. Through respectful discussion and reflection, they learn to express their ideas, listen to others and engage thoughtfully with views that may be different from their own.
RE encourages children to explore different beliefs and worldviews fairly and thoughtfully, considering different perspectives and developing the knowledge and vocabulary they need to talk confidently and respectfully about religion and belief.
RE is taught as an academic subject and is distinct from Collective Worship.
RE also makes an important contribution to children's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. It helps children develop curiosity, empathy and respect and prepares them to live well alongside people with a wide range of religious and non-religious worldviews.
Ultimately, we want our children to leave Padiham Green able to hold informed and respectful conversations about religion and worldviews, ask meaningful questions, draw upon secure knowledge and think deeply about themselves, others and the world around them.
Withdrawal from Religious Education
Religious Education is provided for all pupils at Padiham Green. Parents and carers have the legal right to withdraw their child from all or part of Religious Education.
We encourage any parent or carer considering withdrawal to speak with the Headteacher so that they can understand the content, purpose and approach of our RE curriculum before making their decision.