Faith in Education? The Changing Role of Religion in English Schools Peter J. Hemming School of Social Sciences Cardiff University

Introduction The faith schools debate The contested curriculum Religion, citizenship and identity Conclusion OUTLINE OF TALK

FAITH SCHOOLS The Faith Schools Debate

Social cohesion can be promoted by involving minority religious communities in the democratic system Religious needs are better catered for in faith schools Faith schools provide choice for parents and diversity of provision Faith schools represent justice and fairness for members of different religious groups Faith schools foster positive ethos and supportive religious values Religious teachings in faith schools promote tolerance and understanding of others Arguments In Favour…

Social cohesion can be eroded by division and ignorance of other religions and cultures Faith schools limit pupil autonomy and promote indoctrination Faith schools use selection procedures that effectively disadvantage other schools by selecting the best pupils Faith schools work against educational aims and equal opportunities The state should not fund religion as it should be a private matter Faith schools result in segregation and a lack of tolerance and understanding of difference Arguments Against...

Faith Schools & Community Cohesion Constructed Concepts?

Children, Religion & Cohesion Positive Encounters?

THE CURRICULUM … as Contested

Religious Education Development National or Local? Adult or Child-led?

Religion Across the Curriculum Public or Private?

CITIZENSHIP & IDENTITY Negotiating Religious Citizenship?

CONCLUSION More Child-Centred Research?