Question about Faith and Education conflict

[preciousmum]

My son is four and half and due to start reception School in September.
As most parent, I have been through the process of searching for a good school for him to give him a good start up. Eventually I did come up with four good ones which include the Church of England school.
Having seen the Church of England standard and Ofsted report, I would love my son to attend it, but My dilemma is that: because we are of
a Muslim background, we love our son to grow up as Muslim. Does anyone have any view on whether the school religious activities and education will have an effect on my son faith?Thanks.

I don't understand why you would want your child to go to a Church of England school. I wouldn't want my child to go to a Muslim school. We were given the option of a Church of England school (again, high results, excellent ofsted etc), but we aren't church of england and I believed that it would cause a degree of conflict between home and school that I wouldn't necessarily want for my child. Also, she would be the only child there with her faith and I didn't want her to feel different or stand out. I wanted my child's school to reflect our family's religious beliefs and practice so that we could establish a good partnership between the school and myself.

If you can't go to muslim school ( I understand that most muslim schools are secondary rather than primary) then why not go to your local community school?

I don't think it is a problem for a muslim child to go to a CofE school.

The values you hold dear about family, service and community will be identical in a CofE school.

Obviously there will be no catetical education but even anglicans won't get this in a CofE school.

Please feel confident about your instincts and do not worry. We have more things in common, and little that divide us.

I agree with Mme Bluberry. There will not be that much different in the values of a CofE school and that of a Muslim school. There should be no problem.

I can only speak from the experience I have gained from looking at the schools locally to us, but we looked at 3 schools for our kids - 2 secular and 1 CofE.

Out of the 3 of them, the CofE school was far and away the most inclusive of ALL religions and really embraced the diversity of its pupils, taking the trouble to educate the kids about ALL religions, and not just Christianity. We felt with the two secular schools that they didn't really have any policy at all (which is fair enough if that is what you are looking for) and that the issue was brushed under the carpet a bit.

As Christians ourselves, we chose the CofE school not because it would teach our children Christianity, but because it would also actively teach other religions and help our kids to understand that there are other options out there.

Since my eldest two have been attending the school, they have come home with Diwali Candles, Happy Eid cards and all sorts. The school go out of their way to include families of other faiths and there have been many parents come in to their child's class to talk about different festivals, prepare food with them, why they are celebrating etc etc. It's brilliant

In terms of the Christian education, as a PP said, there is nothing really doctrinal taught beyond the major festivals (Christmas, Easter). There is a strong link with the parish church which really only involves the children attending a service occasionally (eg for harvest festival) and the vicar coming into school now and then for assemblies. The 'Christian' focus is overwhelmingly on values rather than doctrine (truth, courage, love etc) which are common to all the major faiths.

If you are concerned then speak to the school directly and ask them what their policy on religious education is. I'm sure they will be more than happy to answer your questions.

Hope that helps, and good luck!

I thought that muslims were not permitted to enter Christian churches as part of their faith. I'd have thought that was an obstacle.

Your child would not have to go to the church. You can opt out.