Students learn to interpret, analyse, evaluate, and critically respond to the claims that religious and non-religious world views make, as well as express their insights and agree or disagree respectfully. Teaching, therefore, equips learners with knowledge and understanding of what is meant by the terms “religion” and “world view”, as well as knowledge and understanding of a range of religious and non-religious world views.
RE offers opportunities for personal reflection and spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development as it encourages students to examine the significance of their learning in relation to themselves and others. It enables them to explore their own beliefs - religious or not, ideas, feelings, experiences, and values in the light of what they learn. RE encourages empathy and respect and enables them to develop their own sense of identity and belonging, all whilst promoting respect and tolerance of different beliefs, values, and ideas.
Ultimately, RE enables positive participation in our society due to its diverse religious and non-religious world views. The course gives students an informed understanding of political, social, and moral issues that they will need to face as they grow up in an increasingly globalised world. Students learn to positively deal with controversial issues, to manage strongly held differences of belief and to challenge stereotypes and prejudice.