Is RE a mandatory GCSE subject?

[tougholdbird]

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

[FennyBridges]

To be honest, it sounds like your son is in an excellent school if they are insisting on GCSE RS. With curriculums being expanded in other areas some schools have cut their RS timetabling and put that time elsewhere. Despite it being a statutory subject. If a school cares about RS, they'll care about all subjects.

[shellhider]

I'm an atheist and don't care for religion but the RE GCSE is useful as it helps with essay writing skills and it's a good subject from the point of view of ethics and philosophical debates, I hope my youngest takes it. My eldest did a level philosophy and ethics because they enjoyed re despite being agnostic as they value it as a subject.

[shouldwestayorshouldwego]

nevillesfrog you have bumped a zombie thread so people will reply to the original question. You will get more advice if you make a new thread. Mainly though you need to talk to your teachers and your parents. You will probably not be able to replace with a different subject because of timetabling. You might be able to do some alternative work (if your parents agree) and you might be able to not do the exam. You need to consider the benefits of debating and philosophy which are relevant in other topics.

[mummytime]

Zombie thread!


Nevillesfrog you might want to check with your school just how much time they spend on RE. My children's school only spends 1 lesson a week, and still gets everyone through the GCSE.
They key thing I think my DC have learnt is that on issues such as The Environment or Euthanasia or Poverty, people can have very different opinions and have a well thought out reason for those opinions. Also as so many wars are caused by people not understanding or respecting others religions, then learning about them is crucial for every young person.
Just look at headlines in the press and think about how they misrepresent various religions. If you can't see it ask your RE teacher to explain.

[JufusMum]

As I understand it RE is an option in academies, and not in others. It is a core subject in most state (non academy) secondaries.

DD is in an academy and chose to take it as an option. She loves it. Not so much about religion but more about debate. It's changed a lot since our day. She intends to take it for A-level.

Oh and it's officially called "Philosophy and Ethics" now!

[CrazedZombie]

RE Short Course is mandatory at our school. I was meh but there's quite a lot of philosophy which improves things somewhat.
It's not mandatory to take a GCSE but it is to havelearnung.

[Genevieva]

If you want to look up the rules they are covered by the Education Act 1944 and other more recent Acts, which do indeed require some sort of Religious Education. This doesn't have to be examined, but many schools choose to enter students into a GCSE or half GCSE on the grounds that it gives their over all opportunity for achieving grades a boost and provides some structure to the course. Working towards an exam can be motivating, so this is understandable, but there are sound reasons not to take this approach. Some secondary schools have non-examined lessons, it can also be included in a more synoptic way across the curriculum or it can form part of PSHE. It is up to the school to decide.

GCSE Religious Education is academic and unbiassed in approach. It involves learning about what two or three religions believe about God, the world and moral behaviour and often covers Philosophy of Religion and Ethics, looking at, for example, Kantian verses Utilitarian approaches to ethical dilemmas. It develops critical thinking skills as students have to present multiple points of view and critique them. So it is a worthwhile subject for atheists and pupils of any faith alike.

[ToffeeCaramel]

Dd's school say that since they have to teach it they may as well do a gcse in it so they all do it. I'm not religious but am happy for dd to do it as i think it's an interesting subject

[Genevieva]

Just seen this is a zombie thread.

Dear Rachel,
I am sorry to hear you are not enjoying Religious Education. It might not float your boat or maybe you haven't clicked with your R.E. teacher. Unfortunately life is full of things we have to do but would rather not and people we have to work with even if we don't always see eye to eye with them. Normally putting in more effort and showing appreciation is a good way of getting more out of something, so chin up and try your best. In the grand scheme of things your GCSE years are very short and then you can specialise in History Spanish and Photography at A Level.

R.E. has a lot of skills overlap with History - they both involve critical thinking and building up to essay-style exam questions - so you have the potential to enjoy your R.E. lessons.