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Original poster

Is RE a mandatory GCSE subject?

84 replies

tougholdbird · 16/10/2013 17:10

Just that really - am trying to find out if I should tackle school or government about this? Thanks.

OP posts:
UnicornsNotRiddenByGrownUps · 16/10/2013 17:32

It's a mandatory subject so lots of RE teachers will try to offer a half course or some kind of qualification to ensure the kids get something for their time in class. Ask the school before you start 'tackling the government' Hmm. Also try asking about course content, if you haven't done this you may be pleasantly surprised.

friday16 · 16/10/2013 17:30

can't imagine many schools insist on it for GCSE unless it's a faith school

It's a legal obligation to teach it, and if it's taught, these days most schools put the kids through a half- or full-course GCSE on general principles. You can withdraw your child from it (although it's actually rather a good essay-based GCSE, so I think that there are soft skills to be gained) but the school is not obliged to provide any alternative teaching in the time that is timetabled.

LIZS · 16/10/2013 17:26

no but some schools insist on it. Think it is sometimes perceived as a soft one to get.

Original poster
tougholdbird · 16/10/2013 17:25

tommy that's what's puzzling me, it isn't a faith school and yet apparently it does insist on it, which is why I want to be sure of the facts before I query it.

OP posts:
Tommy · 16/10/2013 17:22

can't imagine many schools insist on it for GCSE unless it's a faith school

TheBuskersDog · 16/10/2013 17:19

My son did not study RE after KS3.

Original poster
tougholdbird · 16/10/2013 17:19

You sound defensive clobbered?

Surely I am allowed to object if I wish to? I would rather have my child concentrate on other subjects that i personally deem more useful to him in the future, that is all.

oddboots very useful info, thank you.

OP posts:
OddBoots · 16/10/2013 17:15

As far as I understand it the school must teach RE at KS4 level to any student not withdrawn and must offer an exam for it at GCSE level but if the student/parents want to opt out then they can.

link

Clobbered · 16/10/2013 17:12

No of course it isn't mandatory but a lot of schools do get everyone to take it (often the 'half course' version).

Why are you so bothered about it? It's not indoctrinating them, just learning something about a range of different religions and ethics - what's wrong with that?