What Have We Learned from Four Decades of Non-confessional Multi-faith Religious Education in England? Policy, Curriculum and Practice in English Religious Education 1969–2013

Abstract

If we date the beginning of non-confessional, multi-faith religious education in England to the formation of the Shap Working Party for World Religions in Education in 1969, we now have over 40 years of experience of attempting to construct policy and curricula for integrative religious education and to put these into practice in schools. Drawing upon academic research, reports from the government body responsible for inspecting schools in England (Ofsted) and other reports, and professional experience, the chapter will examine the factors leading to the introduction of this form of religious education, the aspirations of teachers in the 1970s, changes in English society and education, religious studies in universities, perceptions of the place of religions in a globalised world and consequent developments in religious education. It will examine the recent Review of Religious Education in England and National Curriculum Framework for Religious Education (October 2013) produced by the Religious Education Council for England and Wales. The author was involved in this initiative as a member of the Steering Group, representing the subject at university level. Looking back over 40 years, and at the situation in 2013, the chapter will suggest the strengths, weaknesses, challenges and opportunities for religious education in England.