Religious and moral education includes learning about Christianity, Islam and other world religions, and supports the development of beliefs and values. 

SPIRITUAL, SOCIAL, MORAL AND CULTURAL VALUES

Our school uses the National and Glasgow City Council Guidelines, and follows Council Policy relating to Religious Education and Religious Observance.  Religious and Moral Education deals with the development of the person in relation to self-awareness, relationships with others, and the realm of beliefs, values and practices which go to make up a religious outlook on life.  Discussion of religious and moral issues should be open and pupils should be encouraged to express their own views and feelings and to listen with respect to the views and feelings of others. In Religious Education pupils consider the essential elements of religion in a study of Christianity and other 2 world faiths – Islam and Judaism.

Through assemblies other significant religious festivals are shared and  discussed with pupils.

Parents who do not wish their children to participate in religious services have the right to have their children withdrawn during these occasions.  Parents wishing to exercise this right of withdrawal should contact the Head Teacher so that suitable arrangements can be made.

These Policies  reflect national advice set out in SOEID Circular 6/9, the  Education (Scotland) Act 1980 and SEED Circular 1/2005 and additional advice received from the Scottish Government on RME/RERC and RO in February 2011.

Parents and carers from religions other than Christianity may request that their children be permitted to be absent from school in order to celebrate recognised religious events.  Only written requests detailing the proposed arrangements will be considered.  Appropriate requests will be granted on not more than three occasions (days) in any one school session and the pupil noted in the register using code REL on these days.

RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE

At Sandwood Primary we follow Glasgow City Council’s Policy on Religious Observance.  This policy aims to ensure that Religious Observance is relevant and appropriate to children’s experiences.  It seeks to align with the Standards in Scotland’s Schools Act 2000, the National Priorities for Education (especially Citizenship and Values) and Curriculum for Excellence based on the shared values and an aspiration that all children should be successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors. 

At Sandwood Primary School we have assemblies for Religious Observance which provide opportunities for the school community to reflect on, and develop a deeper understanding of the spirituality, dignity and worth of each individual and the shared values of the school community.  Good Religious Observance can strengthen a sense of belonging to the school for young people, staff, parents and the community.  Our School Chaplain is the Reverend Lyn Peden (St Andrew’s,  Penilee).