Government's answer to petition to remove collective worship from all non-faith schools

[GrimmaTheNome]

www.number10.gov.uk/Page21045

Totally pathetic answer in support of the status quo. Misses the point in the petition that withdrawal is not a satisfactory option.

I don't know what I was hoping for but this isn't taking it in the least bit seriously.

You obviously live in a different part of the country to where I grew up and where I taught.

Is your dd primary? It may happen in primary, but it doesn't in secondary...there isn't the space.

Changing anything like this on the religious side in state schools requires an act of Parliament as the teaching of RE (and the collective worship I think) are part of the 1944 and 1988 Education Acts, and the legislation has not been changed. Anything else can I believe be altered by Statutory Instrument, but not the teaching of RE.

RE is the base curriculum in state schools; it is the only subject which has to be taught by law.

You can chose to remove your dd from assemblies if you like; she will still get all the info from her teachers.

Many people are happy about religion in school; both the assemblies, and the teaching of RE. If you don't like RE, withdraw her. It is however very useful to possess some degree of religious literacy when you leave school, and that is what we try to teach.

I think it is more important to abolish faith schools.

ONe good solution if you are lumbered with an excess of superstitious crap-peddling in school is to remind your DC that it's OK just to sit quietly and not actually participate if they think it's a bit daft. That way the DC learn the value of being polite about people's superstitions and develop a healthy attitude of polite indifference to the whole business. It;s only worth kicking up if there is bullying (either by the school or other pupils) or other aggravations that need addressing.