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RE IN THE UK Religious Education (RE) is a compulsory subject in the State Education system in the United Kingdom . Schools are required to teach a programme of religious studies according to local and national guidelines. In Scotland it is called ''Religious and Moral Education'' from ages 5 to 14, and ''Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies'' from 14 to 18. Religious Education in England is mandated by the Education Act 1944 and as amended by the Education Reform Act 1988 and the Education Act 2000 . It is the only subject in England mentioned in Statute . The teaching of RE is not without controversy and some parents exercise the right to withdraw their children from such lessons. However, the aim of most RE is not to indoctrinate students but to enable them to understand the diversity of religious and moral beliefs. It also enables them to fully develop socially, morally, spiritually and culturally (a key aim of the English National Curriculum ). UK PROGRAMMES OF STUDY Generally, students will study different religions, religious leaders, and other religious and moral themes. Scotland has national guidelines which state expectations of student learning. The Local Authority will draw up a curriculum for each of it schools. Each local authority in England has a Local Agreed Syllabus which mandate subject teaching for each Key Stage and possibly for each school year. Schools will be inspected according to these guidelines and syllabi. SEE ALSO |