7 year old doesn't want to do R.E.

gayleygoo

My 7 year old DD told me last night she didn't want to go back to school, because "all they talk about is God and it's really boring". I am secretly happy about this, as we are not a religious family and have always told her not to worry about the religious stuff she is taught in school, and that when she is older she can make up her own mind. (ETA I am not happy that she doesn't want to go back to school, just that she hasn't been taken in by it all.)

We chose her school because it mentioned religion least in its prospectus than other schools in the area did (and it's also one of the best schools in the area, don't worry, that was a factor!). It is supposed to be a state school, not a church one, but the amount of religion they teach is alarming, even giving religious activities as homeworks (which we never made her do and the teacher never commented on them not being done). To me it is plain lazy teaching to put on a bible video or give biblical colouring sheets - that's not useful education.

Last year we considered asking her teacher to give her something else to do during religious activities, but it seems there is so much - I don't want her segregated from her class for half the day. I worry that she'll be on her own when others are in assemblies or watching the videos. I worry that she'll be teased for being "different". Now that she doesn't want to go back to school I feel I need to do something, but not sure how to approach it with her new teacher. Do they have any obligations towards her if she doesn't take part in the religious stuff? Has anyone had experience with this sort of thing?

pinkshoes

It depends what they are being taught!

Obviously religion is a very important topic, as it has been the cause of so many wars, hatred, death etc... It's important to understand the misery it has caused, as well as see the benefit it can bring some people.

I think all schools should be religion free in their day to day activities, but it is important to teach it.

This school does sound a little excessive. Have you spoken to other parents?

Our local primary school has a new new head teacher who seems to be placing quiet an emphasis on religion which doesn't enthral me!

Gloomendoom

I would have thought that a comprehensive religious education would enable her to make an informed choice when she is older.

sulphate

Religious education has to be provided as part of the school's main curriculum however it definitely shouldn't take up as much time as you describe, unless this is exaggerated.

Parents do have a right to ask their child to be withdrawn from the subject if they so wish. This document provides some details (p27) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/religious-education-guidance-in-english-schools-non-statutory-guidance-2010

lulu_92

pinkshoes wrote: »

Our local primary school has a new new head teacher who seems to be placing quiet an emphasis on religion which doesn't enthral me!

At my primary school we prayed in every assembly even though we were the only school in the area that wasn't C of E.

At secondary school we learned about all religions equally and fairly (although I didn't like seeing the classroom plastered in pictures depicting "evidence of Christianity" and no such photos for any other religion). When our head teacher retired he was replaced by an ex-reverend - who introduced praying in assemblies again.

whitewing

Religion makes up such a lot of the history of the world, surely it would broaden her knowledge of the word if she understands more about it? I'm pretty much atheist.

I think she is probably picking up your attitude towards it.

I'd look on it more as her learning to develop her skills of tolerating things that she doesn't necessarily want to do.

Alternatively, speak to the school and find out exactly what is going on in terms of quantities. Maybe a move to a different class may help? Or the school may listen to your views and cut down., or reassure you that it isn't that much.

balletshoes

sulphate wrote: »

Religious education has to be provided as part of the school's main curriculum however it definitely shouldn't take up as much time as you describe, unless this is exaggerated.

Parents do have a right to ask their child to be withdrawn from the subject if they so wish. This document provides some details (p27) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/religious-education-guidance-in-english-schools-non-statutory-guidance-2010

thats a good link - however it mentions only schools in England, and I believe the OP is in NI?

duchy

I notice you are in NI.
Are you originally from another part of the UK as I do find when talking to friends that NI primary schools do seem to focus more on religion than say English primaries. Did your daughter recently move from a mainland primary? It seems an odd thing for a child to say if they don't have a basis for comparison or aren't echoing something they've heard.

I suppose your realistic choices are homeschool, find another school or move....or just tell her she is learning that not everyone has the same belief system and that is as important as say maths so get on with it

I was "given something else to do" as my father was keen I was not indoctrinated at school as he wasn't Christian (it was a secular state school asembley every day, hymns on Fridays and the odd bible story in class - hardly huge). To be honest I felt left out and at times singled out for it and would have far rather joined in and felt more socially integrated.

You might get more insight into what is "normal" in NI schools on the NI board.

GwylimT

I'm not completely sure what is and what is not compulsory in Northern Ireland.

Yes children do find some subjects boring, but unfortunately that is life. My son hated history (despite all the dress up etc) we I found a way to make it exciting at home so be would then be more engaged in the subject at school.

sinizterguy

Gloomendoom wrote: »

I would have thought that a comprehensive religious education would enable her to make an informed choice when she is older.

It's not 'comprehensive' unless they cover all religions equally.

sulphate

balletshoes wrote: »

thats a good link - however it mentions only schools in England, and I believe the OP is in NI?

Ah, sorry I missed that. This might be more relevant then - although I notice it doesn't mention anything about withdrawing I can see: http://www.nicurriculum.org.uk/key_stage_3/areas_of_learning/religious_education/