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Solgrid for Solihull schools > The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) > Agreed syllabus > Purpose of RE

Purpose of RE

The purpose of religious education in Solihull schools is to enable each child and young person to  gain knowledge and understanding of Christianity, other religions and worldviews, to learn to show respect for and build bridges between different beliefs and practices, people of different faiths and life stances, and to contribute towards their own spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

Religious education plays an important and unique role in each child’s and young person’s education enabling them to understand their spiritual identity, to adhere to moral values and to learn to play their role in promoting community cohesion and inclusion in our increasingly diverse society.

Teaching in Religious Education will:-

  • Provoke challenging questions about the meaning and purpose of life, moral choices, and the spiritual dimensions of life and death. It will therefore develop pupils’ knowledge and understanding of principal religions, other religions and worldviews.
  • Enable each child to investigate both their own religious belief system (or none) and those of others. They will therefore learn to express personal views and develop an understanding of the impact these may have on others.
  • Build a sense of identity and belonging as an individual, within their communities and as part of humankind.
  • Challenge prejudice, including that based on religious background, race, culture or gender and to show respect to all.
  • Develop understanding of moral virtues such as truthfulness, honesty, empathy, generosity and compassion and explore how they can positively contribute to living within the local and global community.

Religious education will encourage each child and young person to learn from different religions and worldviews, to explore the global phenomenon of belief in God, the moral values inherent in sacred texts, and understanding the differences arising from diverse cultures and traditions. It is important in preparing children and young people for responsibilities and challenges of adult life.