Religious education (RE) is a statutory subject, though it is not part of the National Curriculum.
The Council determines the content of religious education in Lewisham schools, and we review our agreed syllabus every five years.
We have a Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) to advise us on matters connected with RE.
Why do children have religious education?
Religious education (RE) encourages pupils to learn from different religions, beliefs, values and traditions while exploring their own beliefs and questions of meaning.
It challenges pupils to consider and discuss issues of truth, belief, faith and ethics.
Religious education encourages pupils to develop their sense of identity and belonging. It enables them to flourish individually within their communities and as citizens.
Religious education has an important role in preparing pupils for adult life, employment and lifelong learning. It enables pupils to develop respect for and sensitivity to others, in particular those whose faiths and beliefs are different from their own. It promotes discernment and enables pupils to combat prejudice.
Legal requirement to provide religious education
The legal requirements governing religious education were set out in the Education Reform Act of 1988 and confirmed by the Education Acts of 1996 and 1998.
RE must be provided for all registered pupils in maintained schools, including those in reception classes and sixth forms.
In community and voluntary controlled schools, RE must be provided in accordance with our agreed syllabus.
In voluntary-aided schools, RE must be provided in accordance with the trust deed of the school and the wishes of the governing body.
Right to withdraw from religious education
Parents have the right to withdraw their children from RE and this right should be identified in the school prospectus.
The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) advises the council on the provision of religious education and collective worship.
Lewisham SACRE is made up of four groups, in order to bring a wide range of interests and talents to this work, and to reflect local faith communities.
These groups are:
- Group A: Christian denominations (other than the Church of England) and representatives from a wide range of other faiths.
- Group B: The Church of England.
- Group C: Teachers' professional associations.
- Group D: Elected members of the Council, with representatives of the Executive Director for Children and Young People and governors of Lewisham schools.
Members of these groups are nominated by their respective organisations.
We also have three additional co-opted places on SACRE: Humanist, Rastafarian, and a place for Turnham Foundation School.
What does the SACRE do?
Lewisham SACRE meets approximately four times annually.
The meetings are usually held in a local place of worship, in order to enhance members’ knowledge and understanding of faiths other than their own.
At the meetings, members discuss issues relating to religious education in Lewisham schools and other educational establishments and monitor the delivery of that education.
We develop ways of supporting schools in delivering the religious education syllabus. We develop and maintain links with local and national faith communities.
SACRE also produces advice to support schools at times of local, national or international difficulty.
We welcome contact and visits from representatives of interested organisations or individuals to our meetings.
Further information and resources
For further information on SACRE, and to download some of our resources, visit our web pages on the London Grid for Learning website (follow the link on the right).
You can also contact us using the details below.