Religious education essential in current climate

The Three Faiths Forum (3FF) is adding to the voices calling for  Religious Education to be included in the English Baccalaureate (EBac).

The Ebac is the government’s new performance measure for schools, recognising where pupils have secured a C grade or better in ‘core’ subjects – English, mathematics, history or geography, the sciences and a language.  Religious Education (RE) is not included, which will likely lead to the subject being devalued in the eyes of schools, teachers, students and parents.

We believe that this is a serious mistake in the current climate. Students desperately need RE to learn and talk about faiths and beliefs.

We back the 70+ MPs that have called for an early day motion to challenge the government’s recommendations. It states “that the rise of religious extremism around the world and in the UK means that a good understanding of all religions is vital to a well-rounded education.”

If the EBac excludes RE, 3FF school sessions may become the principal way that students learn to communicate with those of other faiths or beliefs.  3FF works in nearly 100 primary and secondary schools, but there are hundreds of schools in Greater London.  These changes will mean there will be excess demand which we can’t meet without growing our travel and training budgets and staff numbers.

Our education programmes help students become more confident in discussing sensitive topics.  Our “Controversial Issues” training helps teachers address faith related topics, and “Shared Futures” links up different classes from two faith-based schools in joint activities over the year[link to linking page].

For more information on the issue please visit the 3FF website. If you’d like help us expand our programmes, please click the “Donate Now” button.