SACRE - Council agreed syllabus

Religious education (RE) provokes challenging questions about the ultimate meaning and purpose of life, beliefs about God, the self and the nature of reality, issues of morality (right and wrong) and of what it means to be human. Through RE learners develop knowledge and understanding of Christianity, other principal religions, other religious traditions and other world views that offer answers to questions such as these. It offers opportunities for personal reflection and spiritual development. It enhances pupils' awareness and understanding of religions and beliefs, teachings and practices and forms of expression as well as the influence of religion on individuals, families, communities and cultures.

RE encourages learners to learn from different religions, beliefs, values and traditions while exploring their own beliefs and questions of meaning. It challenges learners to reflect on, consider, analyse, interpret and evaluate issues of truth, belief, faith and ethics and to communicate their responses.

RE encourages learners to develop their sense of identity and belonging. It enables them to flourish as individuals within their communities and as citizens in a pluralistic society and global community. RE has an important role in preparing learners for adult life, employment and lifelong learning. It enables them to develop respect for and sensitivity to others, in particularly those whose faith and beliefs are different from their own. It promotes awareness and enables learners to combat prejudice.

The syllabus is available to download from the related downloads area.