Religion in schools

Definitely worth a chat with the school to find out what’s going on then. I was chair of the PTA at the time so was frequently in the school which is how I knew about it all, otherwise I’m not sure I would have known

As long as all religions are presented equally, I have no issue with religion in school. I’d also ideally like the phrase “some people believe” heavily involved in the teachings. We had a VERY religious head at my DDs (non faith) primary and they had the local vicar come in at least twice a month for prayer and stories. There was no balance and I withdrew mine from any religious assemblies as we aren’t religious at all and I didn’t want mine exposed to it if it couldn’t be presented objectively. They also had the local church group run a lunchtime club which gave prizes for regular attendance 😖

I would have no issue with an Eid party, an Easter egg hunt or a Diwali celebration, as long as all religions are getting equal ‘airtime’

When people complain about Christianity in schools, they are told don’t worry, your child will be able to see it’s not real and not very interesting, if they don’t have it backed up at home.
so, that.

They will learn about Judaism and Hinduism, but unless the school has a significant number of Jewish and Hindu pupils, it’s going to have less “real life” transfer through her peers talking about their beliefs and sharing their celebrations in the way her Muslim classmates are doing. That’s the bit that’s piquing her interest and making her think believing in Allah sounds nice - not what the teachers are saying.

Nothing for Christmas and Easter ?

As a Governor I know what the RE Curriculum is, all major religions are taught, including festivals. You child will also learn about Diwali .. and will probably make a lamp.

Teaching children about various religions is a good thing, but it sounds like they’ve strayed into teaching kids to be religious, which isn’t.

My dc were pretty keen on Hinduism at that age because it was colourful, the sweets were tasty and they loved Diwali fireworks. Monkey and elephant gods definitely beat men with long beards aged 6! They are both practicing Christians as adults as am I

She’s seen and heard her peers doing and talking about things which are a bit exotic and mysterious and exciting. At 6, special prayers, and celebrations which you get to take part in if you believe in Allah are pretty enticing. That doesn’t mean she believes in Allah or is being “taught religion” or that it’s being pushed on the class: they’re going to be learning about what Muslims believe in and what they do for their holy days - and those current holy days involve presents and new clothes and sweets and big family parties, as far as young children are concerned.

Do they also celebrate Christmas and Easter? Or Diwali?

It’s nice that they celebrate all the festivals that are important to families in their school.

I think religion is private and shouldn't be taught in schools.

On one hand, I think it’s lovely that the school embraces a different religion and educates our children about it. On the other, it’s important as parents that we allow our children to have access to the choice regarding what they are taught in this aspect. With the Muslim population growing it’s inevitable that it will influence schools and that’s important for the Muslim community to feel accepted and understood. But I also hope that they are taught about other faiths and cultures alongside that. You can discuss these things with your child and let her know your beliefs. You can tell her that you think it’s interesting that she’s talking about Allah and feels a connection to god, but that your family believes something different. It’s a very personal subject and I hope that you find a way to communicate to her how you feel about it in a way that conveys meaning.

Don’t worry, they will be celebrating Easter very soon

Young Muslim children may have been having lunch early during Ramadan so they have time to pray afterwards.

If course speak to the school about what they have been teaching and I’m sure they they will happily tell you but it doesn’t like they’ve been pushing Islam on to the children. I remember my eldest decided she was Hindu at this age and my nearly 6 year old spends alot of time claiming to be a guniea pig.

At that age DS came home talking about Jesus and God as fact. It’s not a church school and RE is taught as ‘this is what Christians/Muslims think’, rather than truth. So I just had a chat about how some people believe in Jesus and God, that me and DH aren’t really sure, but it’s up to him what he thinks. Never been an issue and both my DC think for themselves.

She’s very young. Your influence is much greater than the schools. Why don’t you just talk about it with her?