A new survey published today has found that more UK adults consider religious education (RE) to have been the ‘least beneficial subject’ they were taught at secondary school than any other subject. The survey found that 21% of UK adults considered RE to be the least beneficial, ahead of art (16%) and gym/PE (10%). Conversely, under 1% of people said sex education was the least beneficial subject – fewer than any other. 1% also said this about biology.
The British Humanist Association (BHA) strongly supports teaching about different religions and non-religious beliefs in school, but believes the subject of RE needs reform. BHA Education Campaigner Richy Thompson commented, ‘It is vital that RE remains relevant to young people today, and with surveys showing that between half and two-thirds of young people are not religious, this means teaching about non-religious beliefs such as Humanism alongside religious beliefs in a manner which does not seek to proselytise but instead aims to impart information in an objective and balanced way.
‘RE in England outside of “faith” schools has vastly improved over recent years and is now much closer to this ideal, thanks to reforms such as the 2004 national framework, 2010 guidance and the hard work of the RE Council. Perhaps this is why only 17% of 18-34 year olds consider the subject to be the least beneficial, compared with 26% of 35-54 year olds. But there is still some way to go: RE syllabuses are determined at a local level, and while many of these are excellent, others still do not include non-religious beliefs. Some overly focus on Christianity, while others promote faith as a virtue. And most state “faith” schools teach their faith is true and all others are false. We think these systems need to be replaced with a single national syllabus drawn up by educational and other experts.’
Turning to sex and relationships education (SRE), Mr Thompson continued: ‘Paradoxically, the findings on sex education show how important adults think it is to teach young people about sex and relationships. However, currently very little SRE has to be taught in schools, and we are failing far too many young people in providing them an inadequate education on topics such as healthy relationships and the varieties of form they can take, safe sex, consent, the advantages of waiting for sex, abortion, contraception and sexual orientation. The evidence shows that SRE leads to the best outcomes in terms of delaying sex and having safer sex, as well as preventing sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies. It is vital that the rules are changed to ensure that every young person receives full and comprehensive SRE.’
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For further comment or information, please contact Richy Thompson at richy@humanists.uk or on 020 7324 3072.
The survey was conducted by Opinium between 12 to 16 July 2013 and was of 2,007 UK adults/1,844 who attended a UK secondary school: http://news.opinium.co.uk/sites/news.opinium.co.uk/files/OP3507%20-%20Opinium%20PR%20-%20Education%20-%20SET%20FOUR%20-%20Tables.pdf
See also http://news.opinium.co.uk/survey-results/school-days-best-days-your-life
Read more about the BHA’s campaigns work on:
- Religious education: https://humanists.uk/campaigns/schools-and-education/school-curriculum/religious-education/
- Sex and relationships education: https://humanists.uk/campaigns/schools-and-education/school-curriculum/pshe-and-sex-and-relationships-education/
The British Humanist Association is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people who seek to live ethical and fulfilling lives on the basis of reason and humanity. It promotes Humanism and a secular state and equal treatment in law and policy of everyone, regardless of religion or belief.