A DORCHESTER school has received national recognition for high quality learning in religious education.

The Thomas Hardye School in the county town has achieved a Gold award for the national RE Quality Mark (REQM).

The REQM is a national award that recognises high quality learning in religious education. 

Subject leader The Thomas Hardye School Mark Skinner said the award was a great endorsement of the school’s efforts in religious education.

He said: “This was a rigorous process which helped us to think about what we are doing well in RE. 

“An important part of the REQM is that an assessor visits the school and talks to the learners about their experiences in RE.” 

Comments from students during the visit of the assessor included: “RE is really interesting, and you have to put a lot of effort into thinking about a good answer.”

Another student stated: “From RE lessons I have learnt about ethics. This has taught me how to make choices and what is morally right and wrong.”

A further comment stated: “I have been taught about many religions which are different from my own. This has given me an understanding of others’ views and beliefs.”

Mr Skinner said that he was delighted with the children’s engagement with the subject and he felt the quality of the provision of RE had benefits that were felt beyond the school’s walls.

He said: "I think the fact that children were involved in the process was invaluable as it is very evident very quickly whether they love and actively engage in RE. 

“The REQM enables us to drive forward the message that we are committed to ensuring high quality RE takes place in our school and the benefits of this both for students and the wider community in which they live.”

The REQM is run by the Religious Education Council of England and Wales, who believe that good teaching in RE suppors the whole development of a child and contributes to the school.

Visit www.reqm.org