Religious Education enables pupils to know about, understand and respond to a range of beliefs, practices and values, including questions of meaning and purpose in life, both intellectually and through reflection on their own experience, making an essential contribution to their spiritual development.

Religious Education encourages pupils to consider and respond to areas of morality in the light of their knowledge and understanding of religious and ethical teaching, enabling them to make reasoned and informed judgements on religious and moral issues.

Through the exploration of issues within and across and between faiths Religious Education enhances pupils' understanding of the cultural context of the country in which they live and of the diverse beliefs and cultures represented in it and in the wider world, developing their sense of identity and belonging and preparing them for adult life as citizens in a plural society.

Religious Education promotes the values and attitudes necessary for citizenship in a democratic society through understanding of, respect for and dialogue with people of different beliefs, practices, races and cultures.

Similarities and differences in commitment, self-understanding and the search for truth and meaning can be recognised, respected and valued for the common good.

Through the use of distinctive language, listening and empathy, Religious Education develops skills of enquiry and response in analysis, expression, reflection, evaluation and application.

Religious Education does not seek to urge religious beliefs on pupils nor compromise the integrity of their own faith by promoting one religion over another.

Religious Education is not the same as collective worship, which has its own place within school life.

World Wide Web Link

www.qca.org.uk/religiouseducation

QCA advice - "What is the potential in the RE curriculum for valuing diversity and challenging racism?".