At Newlands Primary Academy, Religious Education is taught through the Hampshire Living Difference IV syllabus. RE provides children with opportunities to explore beliefs, values, practices and ways of life from a range of religions and worldviews, helping them to understand the diverse society in which they live. 

Using the Living Difference cycle of enquiry, children investigate important concepts and questions, encouraging them to think deeply, ask meaningful questions and reflect on their own experiences and beliefs. Through discussion, exploration and respectful debate, pupils learn to appreciate different perspectives while developing their own understanding of the world.

Our RE curriculum promotes curiosity, respect and open-mindedness. Children learn about a range of religions and worldviews, including Christianity and other principal faiths represented in Britain, exploring how beliefs influence the lives of individuals and communities. 

Through Religious Education, we aim to develop thoughtful, respectful and informed learners who are equipped to engage positively with the diverse world around them and reflect on questions of meaning, purpose and identity.

Right to Withdraw from Religious Education (RE)

At Newlands Primary Academy, we are committed to providing an inclusive and enriching curriculum that helps every child grow in confidence, curiosity, and understanding of the wider world. As part of this, all pupils take part in Religious Education (RE), which supports their spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development. 

We also recognise and respect that families hold a wide range of beliefs and values. In line with Section 71 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998, parents and carers have the legal right to withdraw their child from all or part of Religious Education. 

If you are considering withdrawing your child from RE, we warmly encourage you to speak with Mrs Thornton. This conversation helps ensure you have clear information about what RE looks like at Newlands and how it supports our wider aim of nurturing thoughtful, compassionate learners. Parents may withdraw their child without needing to give a reason, though we are always happy to talk through any questions. 

Should you choose to proceed, the school will continue to supervise your child during RE lessons, although alternative curriculum teaching is not required. Pupils usually remain on site unless they are receiving suitable religious education elsewhere.

All requests should be made in writing to Mrs Thornton and will be recorded and reviewed annually.

At Newlands, we value our strong partnership with parents and carers, and we are always here to support you in making the right decisions for your child.