The National Framework for RE

Submitted by Gordon Peckham

Last year saw the publication of the first ever National Framework for RE. This non-statutory framework suggests a syllabus for RE which includes some reference to secular philosophies such as humanism. The British Humanist Association (BHA) and the National Secular Society (NSS) - we are affiliated to both - take rather different attitudes to the new framework, perhaps crudely summarised as seeing the pot half full and seeing it half empty

BHA
The BHA attitude is outlined in BHA News for November/December 2004:

Humanism in the National Framework for RE

The publication of the first ever national framework for Religious Education in England has confirmed the inclusion of Humanism for which the BHA has worked for so long. "Secular world views" are included in the Breadth of Study sections from Key Stage 1 onwards, and the introductory statement About Religious Education in the Curriculum reads: "Many pupils come from religious backgrounds but others have no attachment to religious beliefs and practices. Therefore, to ensure that all pupils' voices are heard and that the RE curriculum is broad and balanced, it is recommended that there should be opportunities for all pupils to study … secular philosophies such as humanism."

The BHA is taking a positive attitude by publishing resource materials for SACREs, RE advisers, teachers and others involved in syllabus development, showing how Humanism fits into the non-statutory national framework for RE.

In an open letter to Ruth Kelly, the recently appointed Secretary of State for Education, Keith Porteous Wood, Executive Director of NSS, said:

The state should provide objective education rather than proselytising, as the recent RE guidelines tend to do. While Christianity is a compulsory element of RE throughout school life, non-religious world views and moral philosophy are optional and are given only a perfunctory mention. This ill serves the two-thirds of your pupils who define themselves as non-religious and those whose philosophical position ought to be respected. It is outrageous that pupils who are old enough to marry or die for their country cannot withdraw themselves from RE.

Other comments
Roy Saich, who runs the Humanists website comments:

Schools will be given carte blanch to teach the issues from religious perspectives exclusively and ignore secular beliefs.

Of course at present there is no requirement for Local Education Authorities to adopt the new syllabus as it is not statutory.

What do you think?