Yesterday over seventy teachers attended Humanists UK’s Understanding Humanism Teachers Conference at Conway Hall. The conference provided primary and secondary teachers with an opportunity to broaden their subject knowledge about both humanism and secularism, and to learn, share, and discuss ideas for teaching about them in the classroom.
The conference was bookended with keynote speeches from Professor AC Grayling on the humanist understanding of ‘The Good and Worthwhile Life’, and Humanists UK’s own Chief Executive Andrew Copson on secularism. It featured stimulating seminars and workshops, including a talk on humanism and war from Dr Roger Hutton from Defence Humanists, and on non-religious conceptions of ‘spirituality’ from Dr Jacqueline Watson, as well as sessions from experienced RE teachers on practical ways to teach about humanism, from Early Years to A level. Attendees also had the opportunity to hear from and question personnel from Humanists UK, the International Humanist and Ethical Union, and Faith to Faithless.
Teaching about humanism is taking place in more schools than ever before, and this means an increasing number of teachers are demanding resources and support. Alongside free education resources on Understanding Humanism and trained school speakers, teacher training is just one of the ways Humanists UK is supporting teachers to deliver high-quality lessons about humanism.
Humanists UK Head of Education Luke Donnellan commented, ‘It is fantastic to meet so many educators who recognise the importance of teaching about humanism alongside the main religions as part of inclusive RE. It is through the dedication and hard work of such teachers that young people have the opportunity to learn about and explore the full range of answers to life’s big questions, and are better equipped to help us build a more tolerant world where rational thinking and kindness prevail.’
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For further information, please contact Humanists UK Head of Education Luke Donnellan on luke@humanists.uk or on 020 73243070.
About Understanding Humanism
Understanding Humanism is Humanists UK’s education service, which aims to introduce young people to humanism as a non-religious approach to life which can be studied as an example of a ‘non-religious worldview’. It provides teachers with the resources necessary to teach accurate, high-quality lessons about humanism, and assists them with the development of their own subject knowledge. The Understanding Humanism website offers lesson plans and activities, as well as free school speakers who can work with teachers to broaden students’ understanding. Visit Understanding Humanism at understandinghumanists.uk.
At Humanists UK, we want a tolerant world where rational thinking and kindness prevail. Our work helps people be happier and more fulfilled, and by bringing non-religious people together we help them develop their own views and an understanding of the world around them.