Non-denominational school- hymns?

Right, first things first, I really don't want to get into a debate about religion- this is purely asking for peoples opinions about what I should do with a schooling situation.

We are Atheists and are quite strong in our 'beliefs' so we specifically sought out a private school for our girls that was non-denominational. There have been a few instances of religious teachings since Charlotte has been going- at the Christmas concert they did a lot of Christianity based songs and prayers, also at harvest, but they have also celebrated other religious events throughout the year (Chinese new year etc). It probably has been a little bias towards Christianity but as the country we live in is mainly Christian we weren't too worried.
Now, the reason for my concern is that she has just started Reception and we got the new daily timetable home and every Monday for 30 mins they have Hymn practice.   As a non denominational school it really irks me that they have a weekly focus on something that is religious based.

So coming from my point of view, what would you guys do?

I was thinking about going in and having a word with the head mistress- my only worry is that if she does get taken out to do something alternative then she'll just see it as missing out on singing I don't know if they are doing religious teachings around it or if it is just 'singing'.   
I HATE going in to see the head mistress- it always either make me feel like I'm being naughty or one of those whiny Mums who moans about ridiculous things (probably because its true!). Anyway- I just want to know if you guys think I should get over it- or call them up on it because its not doing what it says on the box!

ETA: Just wanted to clarify we are perfectly fine with religious teaching around religious events like Christmas etc- we want them to learn about lots of different religions and are happy for them to be exposed to these at school. What concerns us is them concentrating on one religion on a weekly basis.

Edited by Jennz

Non-denominational doesn't mean that it's not a Christian or religious based school and if I heard it was non-denom, I would assume it had some links with Christianity, so wouldn't be surprised by the hymns.

I know that in NZ, parents have the right to remove their children from the classroom if there is religious education happening - I would assume in the UK they have a similar thing. I agree with Fleury - find out what it's about (e.g. just songs or if religious ed as well) and then make a decision.

Flissty wrote: Non-denominational doesn't mean that it's not a Christian or religious based school and if I heard it was non-denom, I would assume it had some links with Christianity, so wouldn't be surprised by the hymns. I know that in NZ, parents have the right to remove their children from the classroom if there is religious education happening - I would assume in the UK they have a similar thing. I agree with Fleury - find out what it's about (e.g. just songs or if religious ed as well) and then make a decision.

Me to, I agree.

To be frank, and please don't take offence to this, it probably isn't going to do her any harm, or brainwash her or anything! She sounds very well rounded, so with what beliefs you have at home, I am sure she will be fine!

If it's just hymns then she should be fine - she is so young that she won't think anything about it other than that she's singing.
If they are teaching her about events in the bible, that's another story.

I'm an atheist, raised by atheist parents, and my mum encouraged me to take part in school carol concerts etc - the way i see it is that you are being taught traditional songs - almost everyone must know the words to the popular carols and hymns and it is good to be able to join in

when i was young i just took them as "songs" without any thought to any deeper "meaning".

If i were in your position i would allow your daughter to join in, but (and i'm not sure how old she is) have your own discussion with her about the meaning behind the singing to ensure she is not being taught that these songs represent anything other than some people's beliefs and not anything that actually happened.

ETA - just noticed your daughter's age on your ticker! I played Mary in the nativity play at playgroup at this age and i don't remember it having any impact on me religiously (too interested in santa waiting off-stage!).

Edited by Susiec

Just thought that perhaps that banning of religion only happened in public schools. I know by the time I went to secondary school they couldn't mention anything religious in anyway except in the religious education class and then it was to teach about all religions. But prayers etc at assembly were totally banned.

I was also thinking that maybe you just need to decide where you draw the line with your beliefs and that might help you make the decision. For example we are atheist but we still celebrate xmas, I just buy cards that aren't too christian themed etc but you could say that we shouldn't celebrate it at all if we don't believe in god. I also decided against a certain daycare for Spencer purely because it was christian based as I wasn't happy with them saying prayers before lunch etc, but if the daycare did christmas carols and made christmas decorations (just as an example) then that wouldnt' bother me, like it also wouldn't bother me if they celebrated other holidays like the chinese new year etc and made things for them.

I was removed from RE at school - I think it's a silly name for it anyway, it was all christian stuff, so it should at least be called "Christian Education" not "Religious Education" I couldn't stand it anyway. Having me there would have just bothered the class - I was a rude little twerp when it came to christianity, telling off people for worshipping an imaginary blue man in the sky (at like 6-7)

I personally wouldn't make any big deal of it.

Thanks for the feedback

In this particular schools case they say that they are non-denominational because they have a Christian ethos but don't do any religious teachings within the school. We were fine with the Christian ethos as I believe they are pretty good guidelines to live by- and they have a 'Worship curriculum' within their school information which we have read and it is very broad- no mention of 'God' or any particular religious content, mainly respecting others and their beliefs etc. Those we were fine with- and it backs up what we teach at home.

Teaching hymns on a weekly basis didn't go with the impression we had. Plus, they do singing and music twice a week already so it just seems a little superfluous.

Meeting up with the headmistress soon so will update

I went to Catholic school with a Nun as our headmistress and as teachers. We did learn about the other main religions of Islam and Judaism as part of RE studies, we also learnt about the history of the church. The never really pushed religion, probably cause everyone there was already Catholic.
We would have Mass for Ash Wednesday, and we did passion plays and nativity plays at Easter and Christmas. IMO its better than Santa and the Easter Bunny
The rest of our schooling was normal curriculum and very broad.
Thought I would highlight that many religious schools don't push the religious aspect.