The Boards of Education believe that the high quality Religious Education provided in our church schools is the key to enabling every child to flourish. Quality RE has the potential, more than any other subject, to have the most powerful and lasting effect on the child.

Religious Education provides opportunities for spiritual development and personal reflection. It develops children’s knowledge and understanding of the nature of religion and belief, it provokes challenging questions about meaning and purpose, truth and values, identity and belonging. Religious Education prepares children for citizenship in today’s diverse society. It enables them to develop sensitivity to and respect for others. 

Diocesan RE Syllabus

The Durham and Newcastle Diocesan Syllabus was issued to schools on 4th October 2018. Please find the presentation from the launch event here. 

The Diocesan Boards of Education recommend the Diocesan RE Syllabus for adoption in VA schools and formerly VA schools that have become academies.

Religious Education in Church of England Schools: A Statement of Entitlement 2019

This is a key document for Headteachers, governors and RE leaders to be aware and ensure that its requirements are fulfilled. It can be found here.

Religious Education Subject knowledge support

RE:ONLINE has produced a series of subject knowledge essays for teachers covering a wide variety of worldview traditions which can be accessed here.

Culham St Gabriel’s Trust offers a number of e-learning courses free of charge, suitable for colleagues with a range of experience from those who are brand new to RE, through to more experienced RE subject leaders and also governors who want to explore the role of knowledge and progression in the RE curriculum. Courses can be accessed here.