BHA welcomes plans for new RE subject framework
Plans announced today for a new Religious Education (RE) subject framework have been welcomed by the British Humanist Association (BHA). Minister of State for Schools Nick Gibb has asked the Religious Education Council for England and Wales (REC) to consider excellent practice in RE teaching and present its findings in a report, as well as to support the REC in shaping a revised RE teaching framework that matches the design and style of the future National Curriculum. The BHA was a founding member of the REC in 1973, the aim of which is that ‘every young person experiences a personally inspiring and academically rigorous education in religious and non-religious worldviews'.
BHA Chief Executive Andrew Copson commented, ‘We welcome the announcement that the Department for Education will be supporting the REC to develop a new framework. The BHA supports education about different religions and non-religious beliefs in schools, as we believe it is vitally important in a diverse society that young people understand the views and opinions of those whose beliefs differ from their own and have the opportunity to tackle ethical and philosophical questions.
‘The BHA was involved in the development of the 2004 English Religious education: The non-statutory national framework, which we saw as a big step forward at the time. We were also involved in the steering groups that subsequently developed the English non-statutory programmes of study and learning, attainment targets and level descriptors, and the 2010 non-statutory guidance. We look forward to the new report and framework representing further progress in improving the quality of RE in our schools.’
Notes
For further comment or information contact BHA Chief Executive Andrew Copson on 07534 248596
or at andrew@humanism.org.uk.
Read the 2004 English Religious education: The non-statutory national framework: http://www.mmiweb.org.uk/publications/re/NSNF.pdf
Read Religious education in English schools: Non‑statutory guidance 2010: http://media.education.gov.uk/assets/files/religious%20education%20guidance%20in%20schools.pdf
Read more about the BHA’s campaigns work on Religious Education: http://www.humanism.org.uk/campaigns/religion-and-schools/religious-education
The British Humanist Association is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people who seek to live ethical and fulfilling lives on the basis of reason and humanity. It promotes a secular state and equal treatment in law and policy of everyone, regardless of religion or belief.
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