Religious Education Resources
For parents and carers. Religious Education: your questions answered
Parents may have questions about RE if work has been sent home. It is helpful to make sure you
understand the subject’s key aims: broad minded engagement with all of the biggest questions of
life, and the different answers given by religions and worldviews.
In this page we want to address some common misconceptions about RE and explain why it is
important. Many parents will enjoy engaging in your child’s RE work with them: children and young
people often love to talk and discuss those big questions.
What is RE?
RE explores big questions about life, to find out what people believe and what difference this makes
to how they live. It helps pupils to make sense of religion and belief, reflecting on their own ideas
and ways of living. It enables pupils to be equipped with understanding of a range of religious and
non-religious worldviews.
RE is helpful because…
• These days, issues of religion and belief frequently top the news agenda and RE helps
children and young people to make sense of them.
• RE encourages children and young people growing up in a diverse society to understand the
varied views and opinions of people whose beliefs and values differ from their own,
promoting not just tolerance but genuine understanding and respect for other people.
• RE provides space for young people to reflect on their own ideas and develop their thoughts
about questions of meaning and ethics such as these: who am I? Why are we here? What
will give us courage and love in life? Why are some people very committed to their religions,
and others not at all?
By having access to good RE in schools, young people are equipped to handle issues in their own
lives, preparing them for the workplace and adult life in modern, diverse Britain.
More information at: http://www.rethinkre.org/why-is-re-important
Common misconceptions
RE may have changed a lot since you were at school! These days the subject is open hearted and
enables all children to learn about different religions and beliefs in the UK. RE is not about trying to
convert children to one view or another.
Many children especially enjoy the ways RE enables them to discuss big questions and ideas and
think for themselves about the question’s humanity has always seen as important but mysterious.
If you thought that RE might indoctrinate children, then think again: because it explores lots of
different views, RE is the opposite of indoctrination, open to all ideas and opinions, teaching children
to be reasonable about beliefs. The subject does not seek to convert anyone. These lessons do not
aim to make people ‘more religious’ in any way.
If you thought that RE might be a bit of a luxury in a crowded curriculum, then note that it is usually
allowed about an hour a week on the school timetable, following government guidance. An hour a
week for thinking deeply about big questions seems like a good idea.
Find out more in our myth-busting guide to RE! https://youtu.be/WQXHmebHgU4
Helpful links:
Events:
Children and Youth Workers' Zoom drop in- May 27th 2020 19:30
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/
Meeting ID: 828 1410 2243
Password: 693879
Digital Family Prayer Adventure Map- 21st-31st May 2020
Family Prayer Adventure Podcasts- A fun and engaging way to help families pray together. There is one following each daily theme of Thy Kingdom Come, and are approximately 10-12 minutes long. They feature a game, an interactive Bible story (written and performed by folks like Bob Hartman), a chance to pray and great music.
Resources:
Eid-ul-Fitr (24th May 2020)
At the end of Ramadan - Muslims will be celebrating the festival of Eid-ul Fitr (24th May 2020). Traditionally Muslims wish each other Eid Mubarak (Happy Eid) on the day of Eid. Below are some colouring pages and cards you may wish to complete and/or send to help people celebrate.
Looking to the Rainbow
A song has been written by one of the Church of England’s #faithathome partners Worship for Everyone, recorded with the Bluecoat School in Coventry. This song is freely available for you to use along with resources for you to record it. The Church of England would love to hear your version, so please share and tag them on social media @CofE_EduLead and please tag @dioceseofyork too. All the resources you need including lyrics and backing tracks are at the link below.