A Religious Education specialist has told Parliament that teaching of the topic has been the victim of significant neglect in recent times, despite its importance to social cohesion.
Sarah Lane Cawte is the Chair of the Religious Education Council (REC). She recently told Parliament’s Education Select Committee that at present around one in six British schools are failing to fulfil their legal obligation of teaching RE as much as yr 11.
Cawte said that there was a growing consensus amongst RE professionals that reform is required to finish a postcode lottery in the supply of RE. She added that RE was a significant a part of constructing social cohesion and of preparing children for all times and work in modern Britain.
The government is currently planning a Curriculum and Assessment review that can take a look at “issues and diversities of our society” to make sure “all children and young persons are represented”.
According to Cawte, teacher training targets in RE haven’t been met for 13 of the last 14 years and that, while some areas provide excellent RE education, the general picture is considered one of ongoing neglect.
Cawte advisable that the federal government adopt the REC’s National Content Standard, as a way of ensuring standards across the board.
After her encounter with Parliament, Cawte said, “There is unprecedented consensus that the current system needs reform and the Government’s curriculum review provides a significant opportunity to grasp this for the good thing about all children and young people in our schools.
“Adopting the REC’s National Content Standard could be a significant step to making sure all students receive high-quality RE, while a National Plan would offer the funding and political commitment needed to handle the crisis of RE specialism in our schools.
“It was encouraging to see that the Education Select Committee values Religious Education as a significant a part of our young people’s education and future.
“The REC looks forward to continuing to work with MPs, stakeholders and the Curriculum and Assessment Review panel to realize our shared vision for high-quality RE for each student within the country.”
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