BBC begins homeschooling of Religious Education with a lesson on humanism

24 April, 2020

The BBC’s ‘five facts about humanism‘ are presented by Cerys, a young humanist living in Wales

The BBC has kicked off its homeschooling provision of religious education lessons with a brand new lesson on humanism.

The lesson, broadcast today online via the BBC Bitesize website and BBC iPlayer, will be of value to parents across the country and children who are currently learning from home as a result of the coronavirus.

The short film featured Cerys, a young humanist living in Wales, who introduced viewers to ‘five key facts’ about humanism. The video can be found as part of a collection of new resources on the BBC Bitesize website.

Luke Donnellan, Director of Understanding Humanism commented:

‘It is great to see the BBC supporting education about humanism as well as religions as part of its RE provision. The fact that the BBC chose to open with a lesson on humanism shows how far society has moved in recent years in recognising the need for non-religious worldviews to be included in RE.’

Humanists UK provides free online education resources on humanism via Understanding Humanism. During the pandemic, it has retooled and curated its resources especially for parents to use in homeschooling.

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For further information, please contact Humanists UK Director of Understanding Humanism Luke Donnellan on education@humanists.uk or on 020 73243070.

About Understanding Humanism

Understanding Humanism is Humanists UK’s education service. It 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.

Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 85,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.