Religious Education develops an understanding of the world around us. It promotes mutual respect, tolerance for all faiths and an appreciation of diversity. Religious Education helps children to understand how values and beliefs are reflected in what we say and how we behave. It develops children’s knowledge and understanding of different religions and beliefs that form part of society. We follow Hampshire’s ‘Living Difference’ curriculum that is based on teaching RE through understanding of concepts, focusing on Christianity, Islam and Hinduism. Children are given opportunities for personal reflection and to ask questions. RE prepares children for the next phases in their lives including tolerance and understanding of the beliefs and practices in a multicultural society. 

Legal Requirement
The Education Act 1996, School Standards and Framework Act 1998 and Education Act 2002 require that:

• Religious education should be taught to all children and young people other than those in nursery classes and except for those withdrawn at the wish of their parents. Teachers’ rights are safeguarded, should they wish to withdraw from the teaching of religious education.
• Religious education in all community, foundation and voluntary controlled schools should be taught in accordance with an Agreed Syllabus.
• An Agreed Syllabus should reflect the fact that the religious traditions in Great Britain are in the main Christian, while taking account of the teachings and practices of the other principal religions in Great Britain.
• An Agreed Syllabus must not be designed to convert pupils, or to urge a particular religion or religious belief on pupils.
• An Agreed Syllabus Conference must be convened every five years to review the existing syllabus.

Local Authority Agreed Syllabus
In accordance with the Education Act (2006), the teaching of Religious Education at Kings Furlong Junior School follows the Local Authority Agreed Syllabus ‘Living Difference IV’ (revised November 2021)