Religious Education
Religious Education is the term given to the aspect of
education concerned with
religion. It may refer to education provided by a
church or religious organization, for instruction in
doctrine and
faith, or for education in various aspects of religion, but without explicitly religious or
moral aims, e.g. in a
school or
college. The term often overlaps with
Religious Studies.
Religious Education (RE) is a compulsory subject in the
state education system in the
United Kingdom. Schools are required to teach a programme of religious studies according to local and national guidelines.
In
Scotland it is called
Religious and Moral Education from ages 5 to 14, and
Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies from 14 to 18.
Religious Education in
England is mandated by the
Education Act 1944 and as amended by the
Education Reform Act 1988 and the
Education Act 2000. It is the only subject in
England mentioned in
statute.
The teaching of RE is not without controversy and some parents exercise the right to withdraw their children from such lessons. However, the aim of most RE is not to indoctrinate students but to enable them to understand the diversity of religious and moral beliefs. The ostensible purpose of the program is to enable them to fully develop socially, morally, spiritually and culturally (a key aim of the English
National Curriculum).
Generally, students will study different religions, religious leaders, and other religious and moral themes.
Scotland has national guidelines which state expectations of student learning. The
Local Authority will draw up a curriculum for each of its schools.
Each local authority in
England has a
Local Agreed Syllabus which mandate subject teaching for each
Key Stage and possibly for each school year.
Schools will be inspected according to these guidelines and syllabi.
*
Education in England*
Education in Scotland*
Religious Studies
