Hi all,
Does anyone know what currently distinguishes a faith school from a secular school? Is it simply the regular act of worship i.e. morning assembly/mass or is religion woven into their teachings on a daily basis?
Mine are educated in a secular school so I don't really know.
I was educated in non-selective CofE schools (primary and secondary). I only remember being godly in morning assembly. For the rest of the day, I think we were simply taught our lessons. Have things changed?
The reason I ask is because I've been following the Faith Debate and it strikes me that the easiest solution is not to make all schools secular (not sure that's what parents want) but to make all of them provide for faith of all types in non-selective environment. Religious education in itself does not do this because it takes an unbiased stance whereas I think parents who choose faith schools want their child to receive some active teaching in that particular faith.
Do you think that there might be a case for making all schools non-selective but to require each one to permit regular acts of worship/religious guidance for children who attend? Those who are not religious (or not religious enough to want to worship) could attend some equally morally enlightening session. It would perhaps mean splitting children up along religious lines for one session of the day but otherwise all children would be raised/educated together. Wouldn't need to cost any more than currently because you could make it up to the local religious leaders to provide the religious guidance. If they felt it was important, I'm sure they would fund it or find suitable volunteers.
Any views?