All schools must teach religious education; however, there is no national programme of study. For the majority of schools, Religious Education (RE) teaching is based on a local education authority programme, although some schools (for example, church schools) may follow a different programme. The local programme is shaped by national guidelines. These say that teaching should:
- reflect the fact that the religious traditions in Great Britain are mainly Christian
- also include teaching about the other important religions in this country
Teachers aim to help children respect the beliefs and practices of others in addition to discovering more about their own.
Children are taught to:
- explore a variety of sacred writings and religious stories and discuss their meanings
- name and explore a range of celebrations, worship and rituals in religion, noting similarities
- identify the importance, for some people, of belonging to a religion and recognise the difference this makes to their lives
- identify and suggest meanings for religious symbols and begin to use a range of religious words
- consider spiritual and religious concepts, feelings and experiences such as thanks, worship, praise, joy and sadness
- reflect on how moral and spiritual values relate to their own behaviour
- recognise that religious teachings and ideas make a difference to individuals, families and the local community
As RE does not have a fixed national curriculum, it also doesn't have set national targets. However, it is suggested that at the end of Key Stage 1 (age 7), most children are able to:
- retell religious stories
- identify some religious beliefs and teachings
- know that some beliefs and teachings are characteristic of more than one religion
- suggest meanings in religious symbols, language and stories
- respond sensitively to other people's beliefs, values and ideas of right and wrong
- realise that some questions are difficult to answer
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