CISC Welcomes Proposals to Strengthen Religious Education
The Catholic Independent Schools’ Conference (CISC) has welcomed proposals to strengthen the place of Religious Education within the national curriculum for state-funded schools.
Whilst the proposed changes will not directly affect Catholic independent schools, CISC believes that high-quality Religious Education is an essential part of every young person’s education. As an academic discipline, Religious Education equips pupils with the knowledge, understanding and critical thinking skills needed to engage with questions of faith, philosophy, ethics and culture, while fostering respect for people of different beliefs and worldviews.
At a time when society faces increasing division and complexity, Religious Education has an important role to play in developing religious literacy, encouraging informed dialogue and preparing young people to participate thoughtfully and responsibly in civic life.
Commenting on the proposals, Sarah Barreto, General Secretary of the Catholic Independent Schools’ Conference (CISC), said:
“Although these proposals will not directly affect Catholic independent schools, any improvement in the quality and status of Religious Education in state-funded schools is to be welcomed. Raising standards in Religious Education would not only benefit pupils in non-Church schools, but also wider society as a whole.
High-quality Religious Education enables young people to engage thoughtfully with questions of belief, meaning, ethics and human flourishing. It develops religious literacy, critical thinking and mutual understanding, equipping pupils to navigate an increasingly diverse and complex world with wisdom and respect. We therefore welcome measures that seek to strengthen this important academic discipline for the benefit of all young people.”
CISC has long championed Religious Education as a cornerstone of Catholic education and welcomes initiatives that recognise its wider educational, cultural and societal value for all children and young people.
