At Pix Brook Academy, Religious Education plays a vital role in preparing our pupils to become thoughtful, socially responsible future citizens. Religious beliefs and world-views shape our global landscape in profound ways. Developing strong religious literacy ensures our pupils can navigate, understand and engage with the world around them with integrity and insight.

Our curriculum is designed to be thought-provoking and inclusive, encouraging pupils to develop their own informed views on religious, philosophical and ethical matters, while learning to evaluate diverse perspectives with respect and empathy.

Pix Brook Values in Action

• Proud: Pupils take pride in presenting their ideas clearly and confidently, sharing their unique perspectives while celebrating the rich diversity of beliefs within our community and wider modern Britain.

• Polite: We foster a culture of mutual respect and courtesy. Pupils learn to listen actively, show deep empathy, and engage respectfully with beliefs and value systems different from their own.

• Prepared: Our curriculum equips pupils with essential analytical skills—teaching them to construct balanced arguments, evaluate complex concepts, and apply philosophical ideas to real-world issues, fully preparing them for life in modern society.

• Perseverant: Pupils are challenged to engage critically with profound, ultimate questions. They build intellectual resilience as they navigate complex philosophical and moral dilemmas.

• Positive: We cultivate an open-minded, inquisitive atmosphere where learning about spiritual, moral, social, and cultural themes is approached with enthusiasm, curiosity, and joy.

Parental right to withdraw children from Religious Studies (RS)

The right of parents to withdraw their children from religious education (RE) lessons is set out in section 71(1) of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998.

A parent of a student at an academy can request that their child is wholly or partly excused from:

• Receiving RS given in the school in accordance with the school’s basic curriculum
• Attendance at religious worship in the school.

Parents who withdraw their child from all or part of the school’s RS curriculum do not have to provide a reason. The school must comply with their request, although a school should ensure parents or carers are informed of this right and are aware of the educational objectives and content of the RS syllabus.

If students are withdrawn from RS, schools have a duty to supervise them, though not to provide additional teaching or to incur extra cost. Students will usually remain on school premises. Parents are not permitted to supervise their child during these lessons.

The rules that apply to withdrawing students from RS lessons do not apply to other lessons that look at religion. Therefore, a student cannot be withdrawn from any National Curriculum subject, even if they teach about religion, other than RS or some aspects of sex and relationship education (RSE).

If you think you would like to discuss withdrawing your child from RS lessons, please contact the school, for the attention of Mr Brooks and Mr Scott.