Webinar Series 2015 Secular world views How to handle non-religious views in the classroom. 4.00pm pm Thursday 18 th June

Supported by UNESCO Helps pupils understand the world around them & respect cultural and religious diversity Offers high quality cross-curricula resources to use with pupils at Key Stage 2 and those embarking on their Key Stage 3 transition Supports core personal and social skills development as well as self-directed, exploratory learning Promotes universal core values & the development of ethical thinking Designed to compliment RE and PSHE teaching, alongside citizenship education

Webinars Support teachers in their work around interfaith dialogue and RE; as well as PSHE and Citizenship learning in schools Offers a space for teachers to come together and think about issues arising from classroom practice in these areas

Webinar Presenters Claire Clinton o An experienced teacher within EYFS, Primary and Secondary education o She has over 20 years of classroom experience, and 16 years of advisory work at a national and local level o For the past 8-years has been the Religious Education Advisor for the London Borough of Newham Paul Kaufman o Legal expert, chair of the East London Humanist group and member of the British Humanist Association; o Regularly undertakes school visits to discuss Humanism with pupils.

Session objectives Demonstrate how secular world views support interfaith activities between pupils; Understand the benefits of using secular world views in interfaith discussions with pupils; Provide teachers with ideas to use in the classroom.

Secular world views in the UK In 2011 England wales census results 25% of people said they had ‘no religion ’

What are secular world views? “ Any system of thought or action concerned with the interests or ideals of people… the intellectual and cultural movement … characterized by an emphasis on human interests rather than… religion.” Webster’s Dictionary

What is humanism? Humanists : atheists who emphasise that they believe in human thought and action Atheist: someone who does not believe in God Agnostic: someone who does not believe that the existence of God can be proved or disproved Secularism: a description of how a system runs without reference to God Secular humanism is a comprehensive, non-religious life stance incorporating: A naturalistic philosophy A cosmic outlook rooted in science A consequentialist ethical system (taken from:

What do Humanists believe? Anyone can live a good life without a religious belief Humans just have one life to live, and should therefore make the most of this life The world can be improved through logical thought and empathy It is not good enough to be a happy human, rather we should also try to think of ways we can make everyone's life happy

Can you have morality without religion? You don’t have to believe in God to know right from wrong The best way to live is in a way that makes everyone happy Live by the golden rule: ‘treat others the way you would like to be treated’

The Ten Commitments Altruism Caring for the world around us Critical thinking Empathy Ethical development Global awareness Human rights Peace and social justice Responsibility Service and participation Taken from ‘What is Humanism? By M. Rosen

Benefits of using secular world views in the classroom It is an inclusive approach It encourages empathy towards different ways of understanding the world It challenges pupils to consider different answers to the same question, therefore making pupils think more critically

Classroom discussions about secularism Go to the teachers resources section of the View videos of Christians, Jews and Muslim people talking about their key beliefs, Ask pupils to consider what someone who doesn’t believe in God would say about the belief/value Use speculation skills Using same, similar and different questions between religions and humanist beliefs

Useful resources British Humanist Association website: o Books: o ‘What is Humanism? How do you live without god?’ o Michael Rosen and Annemarie Young, £13.99 (ISBN: ) o ‘The Young Atheists’ Handbook o Alom Shaha, £12.99 (ISBN: )

Wrap up Any questions?

Contact us For further information about the webinar series and how Interfaith Explorers can support you visit: or contact Rokhsana Fiaz OBE Chief Executive Maimonides Interfaith Foundation