Quakers concern about RE
Friends highlight concerns over the future of RE in schools
Friends in the south-west have highlighted a concern about the future of Religious Education (RE) in schools in England. The issue was raised in a public meeting on education organised by Devon and Cornwall General Meeting and Exeter Area Meeting on Saturday 19 October in Exeter.
The event grew out of a concern from Exmouth Meeting about the downplaying of RE and other subjects (such as art, music and sport) in proposed changes to the national curriculum.
The event considered questions such as: What is happening in education? Who is it for? Does RE matter?
Speakers included Maggie Cartridge, who talked about ‘Religious Education and the Quaker Peace Testimony’. David Birch, of the National Education Trust, gave a considered and coherent picture of what is happening in school education. He spelt out the tensions and highlighted the problems in the current system, but also recognised ‘laudable’ intentions, like trying to reduce educational inequalities.
Ed Pawson, from the National Association of Teachers of Religious Education (NATRE), gave a clear picture of what RE could give children if handled with imagination and clarity of purpose.
The closing minute of the meeting stated: ‘We are thankful for the dedication of many teachers, for their belief in children and young people and for their desire to help them fulfil their potential.
‘We will do what we can to show the value we place on teachers as we know that it is not educational theories nor the models for education espoused by our politicians but teachers we rely on to inspire children and assist them to see themselves as powerful, life-long learners.’
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