RE Curriculum & The Right to Withdraw

At Cleaswell Hill School, we believe that Religious Education (RE) is an important part of preparing our pupils for life in a diverse and ever-changing world. Through RE, pupils explore different religions, beliefs, values, and ways of life, helping them to develop understanding, respect, and appreciation of others.

Our RE curriculum is designed to meet the needs of all learners by providing engaging, practical, and meaningful experiences. Pupils learn through stories, sensory activities, discussions, visits, celebrations, and first-hand experiences that bring learning to life and make it accessible for everyone.

RE supports pupils to:

- Develop respect for people with different beliefs, cultures, and backgrounds.
- Explore themes such as kindness, friendship, belonging, fairness, and compassion.
- Build communication, thinking, and social skills.
- Develop confidence in expressing their own ideas, feelings, and experiences.
- Increase their understanding of the world around them.
- Learn about British Values, including mutual respect and tolerance.

As a specialist SEND school, we recognise that RE provides valuable opportunities for pupils to develop their spiritual, moral, social, and cultural understanding in ways that are relevant to their lives. It encourages curiosity, empathy, and reflection, helping pupils to understand themselves and others more fully.

Through a broad and accessible RE curriculum, we aim to nurture respectful, confident, and compassionate young people who are well prepared to participate positively in their communities and wider society.

Parent Right to Withdraw

Religious Education is a statutory part of the school curriculum; however, parents/carers have the legal right to request that their child be withdrawn from all or part of RE lessons. We encourage parents to discuss any concerns with the school before making this decision so that we can explain the content and aims of our RE curriculum and consider any questions or alternative arrangements.

Requests for withdrawal should be made in writing to the Headteacher. The school will respect the wishes of parents/carers and work with parents to make appropriate arrangements for pupils who are withdrawn from RE lessons.

At Cleaswell Hill School, our RE curriculum is educational rather than devotional. It promotes understanding, respect, and awareness of a range of religions, beliefs, and worldviews, helping pupils to develop the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in modern Britain.