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Original poster

Is RE compulsory

35 replies

Lifeisfun91 · 27/11/2014 11:56

I am confused and not happy my DD not doing an RE lesson. She is in yr 9 mainstream; is already doing GSCE options. RE was a GCSE option but she didnt want to do a full GCSE in it. I am surprised that in yr 9 there is not an RE lesson at all for the kids that did not take the option. Also it is the same for I.T; no lesson in this either now!
I thought RE was compulsory, or can school get around this by stating they are covering RE in other lessons some how. The school in the passed has done RE, but this year has been dropped. There is an option to select to do a half GCSE in yr 11.
Does anyone know what the rules are?

OP posts:
Original poster
Lifeisfun91 · 27/11/2014 13:53

Hi, there is no time in her timetable for citizenship/PSHE/Careers/RE. They have 2 assemblies a week but due to DD having complex learning difficulties she does not attend these, nor the longer registation sessions as she does other support.

OP posts:
ErrolTheDragon · 27/11/2014 12:08

RE is compulsory, but they don't have to do very much of it - DD's school they alternate it with citizenship/PSHE/Careers. Are you sure that your DD isn't doing something like this - they might do it in blocks so maybe she'll be doing some later in the year.

As to IT, I think it may be assumed that they have to use computers for so much of their coursework in other subjects that they don't need to do it as a separate thing - it would be a waste of time for a lot of kids.

Yangsun · 27/11/2014 12:08

Yes it is compulsory for it to be taught in state schools but not for it to be examined +(so it doesn't have to be a GCSE). As crimbo said it may not be called that and some schools do a sort of combined pshe, citizenship and RE lesson which makes sure they have ticked the boxes for all three requirements. It is up to individual schools how they deliver this requirement so it is sometimes the case that schools require all pupils to take GCSE or a short course GCSE but others have them as options with the core covered for those who don't do it.

janinlondon · 27/11/2014 12:06

That is under the national curriculum. Not all schools follow the national curriculum.

DuelingFanjo · 27/11/2014 12:02

sorry - me again:

Schools have to teach RE but parents can withdraw their children for all or part of the lessons. Pupils can choose to withdraw themselves once they’re 18.

Local councils are responsible for deciding the RE syllabus, but faith schools and academies can set their own.

DuelingFanjo · 27/11/2014 12:02

Gov.uk say -

Other compulsory subjects
Children must also study:

careers education (year 9 onwards)
sex and relationships education (year 7 onwards)
religious education (RE)
They may not have to take exams in these subjects.

DuelingFanjo · 27/11/2014 12:01

wikpedia says it is compulsory?!?

AnnoyedByAlfieBear · 27/11/2014 11:59

I'm pretty sure RE is not compulsory. Even when lessons are time tabled, you are able to opt out.

DuelingFanjo · 27/11/2014 11:59

I don't think RE is compulsory after a certain time, the act of worship would be covered in morning assembly.

Could you get her religious teaching covered by your church of choice?

CrimboHornedSnowflake · 27/11/2014 11:58

Yes it is including at KS4, before going in just be sure the school hasn't changed the name, a lot of schools are now calling it B&V (beliefs and values) or P&E (philosophy and ethics) to get over the preconceptions about RE as a subject.

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