All schools must teach religious education; however, there is no national programme of study. For the majority of schools, Religious Education (RE) teaching will be 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.
Children are taught to:
- evaluate the impact of religion in the contemporary world
- analyse and explain how religious ideas and beliefs are transmitted by people, texts and traditions
- interpret and evaluate a range of sources, texts and authorities, from a variety of contexts
- investigate and explain the differing impacts of religious teachings and beliefs on individuals, communities and societies
- explain the reasons for diversity in religion
- investigate and explain why people belong to faith communities
- analyse and compare the evidence and arguments used when considering issues of truth in philosophy and religion
- discuss and evaluate how religious teachings and beliefs inform answers to ethical issues and ultimate questions
- apply a wide range of religious and philosophical vocabulary consistently and accurately
- recognise the power and limitations of language in expressing religious beliefs and ideas
- interpret a variety of forms of religious and spiritual expression
- reflect on the relationship between beliefs, teachings and ultimate questions, communicating their own ideas and using reasoned arguments
- evaluate the challenges and tensions of belonging to a religion
- express insights into the significance and value of religion on human relationships personally, locally and globally
- reflect and evaluate their own and others' beliefs about world issues such as conflict, poverty and the importance of the environment, communicating their own ideas
