Religious Education at Victoria Park

At Victoria Park we have a broad, non-denominational Christian ethos, but we approach RE sensitively to ensure that we welcome children of non-Christian religions and of no religion.  We believe that it is important that all children learn the importance of respect for their own religion, for other religions and for those who do not hold faith.

All children are taught RE in class and attend weekly assemblies. We emphasise the importance of tolerance of all beliefs by acquainting the children with festivals, beliefs and traditions of other world religions that are appropriate to their age and understanding. We encourage parents to allow their children to learn about other religions and to take part in all assemblies but we respect the right of any parent who may wish to withdraw their child from RE and acts of worship.

P1 to P7 lead assemblies at different times of the year. We also come together as a school community for special religious assemblies to experience and celebrate similarities and differences.

Religious Education and Collective Worship

At Victoria Park Primary School, we believe that Religious Education has an important contribution to make to children's wider education.  Through RE, pupils have opportunities to develop their knowledge and understanding of Christianity and to learn about other religious traditions, beliefs and perspectives.  We believe that this helps children to develop curiosity, respect and understanding of others and prepares them to live and learn alongside people from a wide range of backgrounds and beliefs in everyday life.

Religious Education is provided in accordance with the requirements for grant-aided schools in Northern Ireland.  Collective worship also forms part of school life and provides opportunities for reflection and for consideration of values and themes relevant to our school community.

In accordance with Department of Education Circular 2026/09, parents and guardians have an unqualified statutory right to withdraw their child, wholly or partially, from Religious Education, collective worship or both.  Parents and guardians do not have to provide a reason or explanation for exercising this right.

A request may relate to all Religious Education or collective worship, or to particular elements of either.  Requests will be treated sensitively and confidentially and will be implemented promptly in accordance with Department of Education guidance.

Where a pupil is withdrawn, the school will make appropriate arrangements for them to remain safely supervised and to undertake meaningful and age-appropriate activities, such as reading.  We will endeavour to ensure that these arrangements are managed discreetly and sensitively so that no child is isolated.

Parents or guardians wishing to exercise the right of withdrawal should complete this 'Parent/Guardian Withdrawal Form'.  This form will then be forwarded to the Principal and RE Co-ordinator so that arrangements can be made.  The request will remain in place unless and until the parent or guardian asks for it to be changed or withdrawn.

Further information can be obtained from the school or from Department of Education Circular 2026/09: ‘Arrangements for Withdrawal from Religious Education and Collective Worship in all Grant-Aided Schools’.

Below you will find an overview of our assemblies for the first term of 2026/2027 and an overview of what we cover in our RE curriculum each year in the Religious Education Core Syllabus.