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Written question asked by Laura Kyrke-Smith (Labour) on Monday, 11 November 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 18 November 2024 (named day). It was answered by Catherine McKinnell (Labour) on Monday, 18 November 2024 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Philosophy: Education

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 17 October 2024 to Question 8936 on Religion: Education, whether locally agreed syllabuses on religious education must also take into account the teaching and practices of (a) humanism and (b) other principal non-religious worldviews.

Answer

Following the ruling in the Bowen vs Kent County Council case, the department published additional guidance for local authorities regarding the membership of Standing Advisory Councils for Religious Education (SACREs). The guidance sets out the department’s view on the ruling and makes clear that, where an application has been received, representatives from non-religious belief systems may be appointed to Group A of a SACRE and/or to an Agreed Syllabus Conference (ASC). The non-religious beliefs adhered to by the person/s to be appointed must be analogous to a religious belief, in accordance with case law under the European Convention of Human Rights and the Human Rights Act 1998, and attain the necessary level cogency, seriousness, cohesion, and importance to attract protection under the Convention Rights. The final decision on appointment of persons to a SACRE or ASC, however, is a matter for local authorities.

Locally agreed syllabuses should take account of non-religious worldviews. As referenced in the department’s 2010 guidance, religious education (RE) should encourage pupils to explore their own beliefs, whether they are religious or non-religious. Inclusion of non-religious worldviews should be seen as part of a well-rounded RE curriculum.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
13678
Session
2024-26
Related items
Religion: Education
Thursday, 17 October 2024
Written questions
House of Commons
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Education Philosophy
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk