Religious Education
Religious Education (RE) is treated as a core subject in Horsell C of E Junior School and as a VA school based in Surrey, we follow the Guildford Diocese RE curriculum. RE is taught weekly and at least 8 units are covered within each academic year.
Please click on the link to find out more about the Guildford Diocese RE curriculum:
https://www.cofeguildford.org.uk/education/christian-distinctiveness/religious-education
RE at Horsell Junior School is reflective, creative and thoughtful. Pupils explore Christianity, in all its forms, and other major world religions, whilst making links to our school values. We are inclusive and teach respect for different views and interpretations. As a result, pupils learn to appreciate the faith of others as well as develop a deeper understanding of their own beliefs and practices. RE is a safe space for all pupils to reflect on both their own and others’ views, and therefore gain a greater insight into the world in which they live. These outcomes aim to contribute to harmonious relationships within and between communities, promote social inclusion and combat prejudice.
School Visits
As part of our RE curriculum, children visit a place of worship within each academic year. Visits include: the Shah Jahan Mosque, St Mary's Church, Wat Phra Dhammakaya Buddhist temple and a local Synagogue. Please refer to the below websites for more information on these places of worship.
https://www.watphradhammakayalondon.co.uk/
St Mary's Church
Horsell Junior School has strong links with St. Mary’s Church, in Horsell. We visit the church as a whole school three times a year for Christmas, Easter and a whole school communion. Please refer to the link below for more information.
Resources
‘This Is My Faith’ series by Anita Ganeri and Holly Wallace.
There are separate books about the following faiths: Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism. Please see the attached document at the bottom of this page for a detailed book list.
For further information about our RE curriculum and progression, click on the attached document below.
Legal Requirements
Religious Education must be provided for all registered pupils in full time education except those withdrawn at their parents' request (DFE Circular 1/94, paragraphs 44 and Non-Statutory Guidance 2010 page 28)
We will comply with any request from a parent to withdraw their child and parents are not required to give their reasons for wanting to do so. However, in view of the Christian ethos and distinctive Christian character of our school, we would hope that all children admitted would participate fully in RE, and that anyone wishing to withdraw their child would discuss this with the headteacher before making this decision.
Parents may provide alternative material for their child to use during their withdrawal. The school will ensure supervision.