Religious Education Council’s response to the Rose Review of the Primary School Curriculum

As the Rose review is unlikely to lead to changes in primary legislation, Religious Education will remain a statutory subject for all pupils (unless withdrawn by their parents) and continue to be taught according to the locally agreed syllabus or governors' policy in a faith school.

The learning that takes place in RE in primary schools is essential to children's development, and the RE Council has been working with the Rose review to ensure that this learning retains its important place.

RE is a key contributor to human, social and environmental understanding. Primary schools should be encouraged to plan in ways that both maximise RE’s unique contribution to this wider area whilst at the same time maintaining the coherence and integrity of the specific RE curriculum.

The RE Council will continue to work with the DCSF, QCA and OFSTED to ensure that learning in RE is fully recognised.

Professor Brian Gates
Chair
Religious Education Council of England and Wales
8 December 2008