Question for people with children in the Scottish primary system - religious education - NB the English system is different

[Prunerz]

I'd like to ask what your children are being taught about religion and what they were taught in P1.

My understanding of it is that whilst the non-Catholic schools have a Church of Scotland focus, the curriculum says that children have to be taught about other religions.

I'm not seeing any evidence of this so far, which is disappointing. Before I ask at parents' evening, I'd like to get it straight in my mind whether or not I am just expecting too much. My ds is in P1 and I don't expect them to get lessons in comparative religion or anything but all he is doing on that score is Bible stories and I wish there were more balance to it.

It's on my mind a bit as Easter approaches and we are in two minds about him attending church on the last day, given the lack of balance (iyswim).

PS I know my choice is to send him to the school, but there isn't any other state option, and we can't afford private education.

[Prosecco]

Chilren in all schools, including Catholic ones, have to be taught about other world religions. I think in P1 however it will be very general, they won't be anywhere near discussing beliefs or practices of other religions. They will probably be looking in other areas of the curriculum at other countries and I think at this stage, that may be enough. Expect this to be developed further as you go through the school. You may be able to access the 5-14 religious education document(which is soon to be replaced by Curriculum for Excellence)online.

[haggisaggis]

I can't remember what they were taught in P1 but I know they do at least touch on what happens in other faiths. (although there is no doubt that the emphasis is always put on Christianity). They also learn hymns during "music" rather than teh folk songs I remember learning as a child.

[Prosecco]

P.S I would say Easter is the perfect time for discussion of other religions in that the Jews and early followers of Christ are both prominent in this story.

[weegiemum]

You have to do other world religions.

In P1, dd2 (not sure about the others, can't remember tbh ) did Islam as her very first RE topic - all about how you welcome a baby in a muslim family, ramadan, fasting, pillars of Islam etc ....

This term, 2 of mine are on Christianity (which in many ways infuriates me as we are 'proper' practicing churchgoing christians and what they get taught in school is rot a lot of the time) and the other Judaism - all linking in to Passover/Easter.

They have all (now in p2, 3, 5) 'done' Islam, Judaism, Sikhism (their school is in the main sikh area of Glasgow, have had people in to talk about it etc), Christianity and bits of humanism/atheism (not everyone believes in God, Mum!!!).

There should be more balance! Ask to see the RME plan for teaching (Religious and Moral Education) as there should be one to balance it as he moves up the school. Many teachers (IME) are happier doing bible stories with little ones as they know them in advance .... doesn't excuse it though!

[Prunerz]

Thanks. I have asked ds if they ever mention Judaism, Islam or anything else but he says not. Otoh he can be a bit of a space cadet so who knows?!