Leading article: Let's keep faith with Religious Education
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The news that MPs from all parties are joining forces to lobby for the continued importance of Religious Education in schools may conjure up memories of old-fashioned assemblies and re-told Bible stories, with a rare nod towards other religions for older pupils. RE, though, has undergone something of a renaissance, and the number studying it has quadrupled in 15 years.
The reason why MPs are suddenly taking an interest is that RE, while remaining compulsory in schools, will not count towards the new English Baccalaureate. That decision appears to have led to a reduction in the time devoted to it, although it remains compulsory for most pupils. Its exclusion from the Baccalaureate is probably right; but that does not mean it should be shelved. MPs are right to take an active interest. The increasing cultural diversity of many schools makes the teaching of RE in a formal school setting more important now, and not less.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments