1. Humanist Representation on the West Sussex SACRE
October 2006

2. Introduction
This presentation involves answering six questions, some of which were raised at the last meeting
It lasts about 15 minutes
If you have any queries, please make notes, and I will try to answer them at the end
Please stop me if anything is unclear
Copies of the presentation and notes will be available after the meeting. It can also be downloaded from my website

3. Topics of Discussion What is Humanism? Who are humanists?
Why should Humanism be represented on the SACRE?
Who wants Humanism included in RE?
Why the British Humanist Association?
Why should Andrew Edmondson be the humanist representative?
Other questions

4. What is Humanism? A non-religious worldview or philosophy
Religious and supernatural beliefs are unnecessary
Reason, experience and shared human values
We have only one life
Humanists take responsibility for their actions
Moral values founded on human nature and experience
No obligatory rituals, texts, meetings, etc.
Humanism encompasses atheism and agnosticism
Individual rights and freedoms; responsibility and mutual respect
People will continue to find solutions to the world's problems
Humanists are positive

5. Who are humanists?
Most humanists do not know they are humanists
2001 census:
Non-religious: second largest "belief" group (2001 census)
Home Office survey (2004):
22% of people have no faith
religion plays little part in the lives of most Christians
Other surveys:
30-40% of adults are atheists/agnostics
65% of young people are atheists/agnostic
The BHA conservatively estimates that it represents 10% of the population
It is not necessary for a humanist to be a member of the BHA

6. Why should Humanism be represented on the SACRE?
Religions and Humanism are worldviews
Children are entitled to learn about all worldviews
RE to include non-religious pupils’ and parents’ beliefs
Non-Statutory Framework for RE
Inclusiveness is an important principle underlining good RE
Recommends pupils study secular philosophies
Humanist representative advice on syllabus/assemblies

7. Who wants Humanism included in RE?
QCA
Religious Education Council of England and Wales
Department for Education and Skills
Church of England
GCSE examination boards
Human Rights Act
SACREs

8. Why the British Humanist Association?
The largest organisation that represents non-believers
Working parties, committees and consultations:
DfES
QCA (Non-statutory National Framework for RE)
Religious Education Council of England and Wales
Ofsted
Dept of Health Teenage Pregnancy Unit
Sex Education Forum
Ministers and MPs
Numerous SACREs
Media, education journals, educational publishers
Produces a wide range of materials for use in schools
Thousands of people use the BHA every year
Founded the Norham Foundation, a member of the REC

9. Why should Andrew Edmondson be the humanist representative?
Raised a Christian but humanist for the last 30 years
My background is in education
Author of mathematics textbooks for all ages
Active member of my local community
I created the website
I work well with others
I could make a positive contribution to this SACRE
I have the support of the BHA