CatieB Posted March 24, 2013 Share Posted March 24, 2013 Our son is 8 and attends our local catchment school, which happens to be a C of E school. This weekend his homework is a blank sheet with instructions to make a symbol or picture to show what he feels about God should a school that covers wide section of the community and isn't attended out of choice have such homework. I understand he will learn religion and then it's up to him later in life. ummm neither my hubby or I feel comfortable with this and obviously neither does he as his answer was nothing. He has drawn a question mark and written on the paper "I don't think anything about god" If he sends it in though I don't want him to get into trouble and he is bothered by it. He is doing really well at school and i don't want to blot his copy book. Does anyone have wise words, I know all omleteers do and that there are some teachers on here. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soapdragon Posted March 24, 2013 Share Posted March 24, 2013 ES ( goes to a Church of England Aided School which is run along Christian lines and has a lot of input form the Diocese - its even inspected seperatly on a 'religious' basis. YS will start there after Easter; not because we are church goers - we are not and don't have any strong beliefs in any direction - but because it is, IMHO, the best primary in the area! I am also a governor and the local vicar is too. There is an assembly every day and they have a prayer and sing a hymn - however, other faiths are recognised and ES went on a trip to Neasden Temple last year with his class. The children all came out of school with a palm cross last Friday. Its all very low key tho and, as non church goers, we are comfortable with it. That said, if your son has been given the homework and has left the paper blank with just the sentence that HE chose to write then he has done his homework! I really don't think that he will be penalised in any way for this as the school must (and, I am sure, will) accept that not everyone has a faith. I don't know the exact figure but the percentage of the population who attend church regulally is tiny! Mind you, asking an 8 year old what they feel about God is, IMO, a bit 'deep'!! Please don't worry! If you are really concerned about it/feel uncomfortable could you have a word with your son's class teacher? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddie Posted March 24, 2013 Share Posted March 24, 2013 Personally, I think he has given an excellent answer, as it will open all channels for discussion. If I was his teacher, I'd be pleased to see that, as he has expressed an open mind, and has given thought to his reply, and honestly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C&T Posted March 24, 2013 Share Posted March 24, 2013 A CofE school will always have a religious aspect. I don't see an issue with asking students their views on God, or religion - and "?" is a view as valid as any other. The only issue I would have was if the school was telling the students what their views "should" be - but I don't see that from what you have posted? I know religion is a sensitive subject for many - but I don't understand the harm in encouraging students to learn about different religions, or encouraging them to look at what they believe. As long as the lessons stick to the facts on the different religions, and (as above) they are not told what to believe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted March 24, 2013 Share Posted March 24, 2013 Will they be given a blank sheet & asked what they feel about Krishna, or Allah I wonder? I think C of E schools teach all the religions, & that is how it should be. My daughters left school with a rounded knowledge of the religions of the world, which as non believers we thought was fine - they could then make their own minds up I think your sons answers is excellent & shows an open mind Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lizinsa Posted March 24, 2013 Share Posted March 24, 2013 I teach Year 3 and it sounds like I am teaching a similar RE curriculum to your son's school. However, the objectives for this are to recognise that different religions have symbols (and their meanings) as well as discussing idols and how we worship them. In class, we discuss who we look up to and why. It often begins with Pop Idols but the discussion usually (thankfully!) progress onto family members who inspire them, people who have overcome adversity as well as religious figures. The children then do work around who http://they have chosen. I am pretty shocked that the school has insisted on God, a CofE school should be showing an awareness and tolerance of other beliefs. Personally I think your son has completed the work set. You are correct in thinking that it probably isn't what the teacher has in mind but why should he have to lie about his beliefs and ideas for the sake of one piece of homework? I would either send him in with a note or pop in and speak to the teacher and explain that this is what he believes and he wasn't trying to be facetious. Good luck and let us know how he gets on! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patsylabrador Posted March 24, 2013 Share Posted March 24, 2013 I think it's a fair answer and the teacher might just be trying to guage the feeling in her class and with Easter coming up she might be obliged to discuss Christianity. Actually I would love to listen in to that discussion amongst the children - quite enlightening I should think and quite hilarious. I don't have any religion and I tried not to impose that on my kids but I wasn't very successful with that and they turned out as cynical about religion as me. When I taught them at home we covered all sorts of religions and would sometimes have special days to cover various celebrations. I felt that the fact that I didn't like something wasn't a reason to not learn about it especially as religion has has been a big influence in our history. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted March 24, 2013 Share Posted March 24, 2013 I don't have any religion and I tried not to impose that on my kids but I wasn't very successful with that and they turned out as cynical about religion as me. When I taught them at home we covered all sorts of religions and would sometimes have special days to cover various celebrations. I felt that the fact that I didn't like something wasn't a reason to not learn about it especially as religion has has been a big influence in our history. Ditto to that in our household. I didn't teach them at home however, but I did feel that their religious education at school was well rounded. Especially at senior school where it seemed to focus more on ethical issues & less on organised religion. It must be an utter minefield for the schools & teachers though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
riane Posted March 24, 2013 Share Posted March 24, 2013 I don't usually post but felt strongly about this area. As a C of E school their mission will be to encourouge, nurture a relationship with God and Jesus Christ. They should be engaging the child to explore and reflect on how they engage with God in their everyday life. This is very different to a state school which aims to educate about the different faiths in the world. In state schools children will leàrn facts, figures and ideas about different faiths. In a C of E or Catholic school children will learn about different faiths but will be given many opportunities to engage and respond to the Christian faith. This is a fundamental difference in the ethos of the school. It is why parents choose to send their children to a faith school. A school where Christ is at the centre of everything the school does. Hence this homework is an excellent starting point and the discussions from it will allow your son to reflect on what ideas he has of God. sorry if that all sounds like a lecture but as a parent who has to struggle to send her children to a faith school it is a passion of mine I feel worth defending. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CatieB Posted March 24, 2013 Author Share Posted March 24, 2013 Mind you, asking an 8 year old what they feel about God is, IMO, a bit 'deep'!! My thoughts exactly. I spoke to my friend and her daughter was equally perplexed and drew a leaf. I don't usually post but felt strongly about this area. but as a parent who has to struggle to send her children to a faith school it is a passion of mine I feel worth defending. yes but I don't choose the school and neither does any other parent it's the local village school complete with all the local children. I could understand if it was an elective school Will they be given a blank sheet & asked what they feel about Krishna, or Allah I wonder? I think C of E schools teach all the religions, & that is how it should be. I think your sons answers is excellent & shows an open mind I agree Cinnamon, I know they are taught other religions but I am surprised about the homework as it is both specific and beyond an 8 year old. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
riane Posted March 24, 2013 Share Posted March 24, 2013 I am sorry that you feel forced into a Christian school. There should be a state primary school available. However it sounds that location might be the problem. But it is not the school who is at fault here, the same if the local school was a Muslim faith school. It is a choice of school that reflects the beliefs and experiences you want your child to be educated in . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CatieB Posted March 24, 2013 Author Share Posted March 24, 2013 I am sorry that you feel forced into a Christian school. There should be a state primary school available. However it sounds that location might be the problem. But it is not the school who is at fault here, the same if the local school was a Muslim faith school. It is a choice of school that reflects the beliefs and experiences you want your child to be educated in . I don't understand enough about the school system to comment. How comes a state school can be religious, by that I mean it is our local school and its our catchment school. If I want to send him elsewhere I'd have to pay. I have no problem with it being a religious school, or didn't think I did. I don't mind him getting educated about religion but given the pupils are mainly not there as a statement about religion (as its the local school) I'm not sure the homework is appropriately phrased or right for his age. I like his answer but don't want him to get in trouble. I'm glad lots of you think the answer is good and the homework will go in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Looney Posted March 24, 2013 Share Posted March 24, 2013 I think his homework response sounds great. It is honest, it is his work and thoughts and as others say it is a great starting point for further discussion I went to our local village school (no other school to choose from) which was joint C of E and Methodist. I remember the local vicar coming in to talk to us and showing me a picture and asking who it was. I replied "It's a man with a beard" which it was, but I had no idea it was supposed to be Jesus (I come from non religious family). Some of the children laughed at me but the vicar was great and my comment started a great discussion about if we really knew what Jesus looked like, did it matter what he looked like etc etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sadietoo Posted March 24, 2013 Share Posted March 24, 2013 Surprisingly because I am at best agnostic, I have to agree with Rianne. As a C of E school it is understandable that they will have a curriculum that raises belief as a part of the education they offer. (I attended a convent as a child (I am not a catholic) but that didn't mean that I didn't have to learn to say the Hail Mary or the Catechism as part of my religious education. so hopefully now a bit more enlightened than that!). I think it goes with the territory, and understand that it's your catchment area school so no doubt you feel uncomfortable that you haven't chosen it, however I don't think the school can be held to be at fault here, they are doing what they do. By the way where I live people fall over themselvest to get their children into our two local "faith" secondary schools (one C of E and one Catholic) even to the extent of hypocrisy! (I've known people attended church services regularly just so their children got in). It's ironic really........ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftyhunnypie Posted March 25, 2013 Share Posted March 25, 2013 I think he should hand it in & be respected for his honesty! Emma.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willow Posted March 25, 2013 Share Posted March 25, 2013 I think he should hand it in and you see how the school reacts. They should accept that he has answered the question honestly and that he is entitled to his own view. But it is a CoE school and you should expect that they will provide some religious instruction. You may be able to negotiate that he doesn't participate in the RS lessons if you feel really strongly about it. I appreciate it is your closest/catchment school and I can't quite remember how it works but did you not have the option of chosing the next closest as your first choice and explain you specifically didn't want him to attend a CoE school ? I thought I'd been able to add info giving a justification for my choice. You'd have had good grounds for appeal if you hadn't got into your closest non-faith primary. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soapdragon Posted March 25, 2013 Share Posted March 25, 2013 With my governor hat on......you can ask that your son does not take part in 'religious' assembly and also, I think, does not participate in RE lessons. However, this then sets a child apart which is not necessarily a good thing and could potentially lead to teasing etc from peers for being 'different'. It all depends on how strongly you feel and how sensitively the school handles it. There must be many other parents, tho, who share your views and whose children attend as its their catchment school rather than choosing it on the C of E basis? Do you know any of the other mums well enough to broach the subject with them? Or you could ask to meet with the Head and talk through their RE curriculum so that you know what to expect and can decide if you DO want to 'withdraw' your son from specific lessons. Or it might just be easier to 'grin and bear it' ?! Do let us know how the homework is marked? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
majorbloodnock Posted March 25, 2013 Share Posted March 25, 2013 At the risk of a bit of controversy, it appears you're assuming that a school with religious associations will be less than impressed by a child expressing either doubt in their beliefs or a definite disbelief. Personally, I believe your son will benefit from learning he's allowed to express an opinion, and should do so honestly - as he has done. Of course, you may be right, and the teacher may not be happy with the answer; after all, life isn't always fair. In that case, your son will learn another important life lesson, and I believe the best thing you can do is to let him know that you're ready to back him up, even to the (unlikely) extent of marching around to the school for a face-to-face with the teacher with you reminding them that if they don't want a particular answer, they shouldn't ask the question. The demonstration he has support should, in my opinion, be far more valuable to your son than what the homework is officially supposed to achieve. In practice, though, I suspect this will all be a complete anticlimax with his teacher writing a brief comment on his homework praising him for his "original" approach, then moving swiftly on to marking the other 20 or 30 in the class, at least half of which I suspect will have had the same "original" thought. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CatieB Posted March 25, 2013 Author Share Posted March 25, 2013 Thank you for all the feedback. The homework has gone in and if we hear anything or get a mark I will let you all know. I did want to clarify though as this was not a question about the school, or whether he should be removed from RS lessons. I have no strong thoughts about that at all. I do expect him to get such lessons and he's even been to an after school religious club but decided it was not for him. It was more surprise at the homework, (as i said given both his age and the fact it is the local school- to my knowledge little or non pupils choose it at it is so full with kids from the catchment there are no spare places) and how to deal with the response we ended up with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alis girls Posted March 26, 2013 Share Posted March 26, 2013 I did opt to send my sons to a CE church school as me and OH attend church (me occasionlly andOH more often) as mainly it was a good school and we wanted a religuous imput however both children attend church spasmodically and I am fine with that, i was forced to go by an over bearing mum and rebelled and didnt go for yrs. Then re started when wanted ES christianed. Sounds all very hypercritical. I am happy for boys to choose their own way in religion. Eldest is confirmed and youngest is going thro classes. I think your son answered in what he understood. It is a bit deep. My youngest 11 came home with homework " describe the similarities and differences between Jesus and ET" - Beleive me we had some interesting discussions on that one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charly1979 Posted March 26, 2013 Share Posted March 26, 2013 I suspect the homework will be fine my children attend a local c of e school and my ED is going through her non beleiveing phase she is really into science so cnt get her head around it which is fine and she is very honest about it at school which I didnt realise until talking to the deputy head, Lyds had got it into her head that she wasnt allowed to do a reading at the Easter service because she had been ill on the day that they choose the readers and the way she relayed the story was a bit harsh so I spoke to the deputy head (only as she was in the playground at the time) and it turns out that wasnt the case and I was told in a nice way that as Lyds doesnt believe it wasnt really appropiate for her to read anway Now had she been going to the secondary school that I went to oh dear me I would be in trouble it was a strict RC school and became very intreasting when we did contempory issues which of course our class always seemed to whind the RE teacher up a treat and I do recall books having the ability to fly (this was early 90's so not sure they should have been flying towards pupils ) Anyway hope it all goes well and will give you a story to relay when your son is much much older Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
