Stephen Lloyd MP calls on the Government to recognise the importance of Religious Education
February 5, 2011 4:40 PM
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Stephen Lloyd, the MP for Eastbourne and Willingdon, this week tabled a Parliamentary Motion calling on the Government to recognise the importance of Religious Education by making it a part of the new English Baccalaureate. Currently the English Baccalaureate is awarded to pupils who gain GCSEs at Grade C or above in English, Maths, Science, a foreign language and a humanities subject. Stephen Lloyd is concerned that this list does not include Religious Education. Stephen Lloyd said: "Religious Education is an academically rigorous subject with increasing popularity amongst pupils. I believe pupils who are able to study R.E have a deeper understanding of world religions, a deeper understanding of morality and a deeper sense of right and wrong. 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. I am concerned that the Government is not currently recognising this by failing to include the subject in the new qualification." There is increasing emphasis in secondary schools on the English Baccalaureate as the most highly sought after qualification for sixteen year olds, and so schools are more and more likely to focus their energies on the core subjects which make it up. There is a fear that if Religious Education is not included in the Baccalaureate then it will be bypassed by schools and teachers. Stephen added: "The number of students studying R.E at GCSE level has increased from 113,000 to 460,000 in the last 15 years, so it is clear that pupils find it a rewarding and fulfilling subject. This is not about promoting religion; it is about promoting understanding of religion. I am urging the Government to think about whether by not including R.E in the Baccalaureate they are sending the wrong signal to our young people about the importance and relevance of religion in the world." |
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