Multi faith approach to RME
With increasing diversity in Scottish schools, schools are becoming more sensitive to the importance of developing a multi-faith approach to both RME and Religious Observance.
The Religious Observance Review Group recently reported. The full report can be read at: www.scotland.gov.uk
It makes a number of recommendations which will inform future guidance on religious observance for schools. The guidance acknowledges fully the multicultural and multifaith features of contemporary Scotland.
Many school communities are characterised by a diversity of beliefs and practices reflecting a range of religious and other stances. It is of central importance that all pupils and staff can participate with integrity in the forms of religious observance devised by their school without compromise to their personal faith stances. This can best be guaranteed by involving a range of people from the school and community in the preparation, planning and presentation of the assembly or other gathering. Pupils should have a key role in this process.
This approach ensures that the self-esteem of children who belong to Scotland's various faith groups are not undermined. The report fully acknowledges the place of Christianity as the main faith in Scotland but does not present Christianity as superior or more valid than others. This is an example of adopting an anti-sectarian approach.
Given the new duty placed on educators, by the Race Relations (Amendment Act) 2002, to promote good relations between people of different racial groups, schools that enable pupils to develop knowledge and understanding of a range of faiths and beliefs will assist to develop acceptance of Scotland's multi-faith communities. The exposure to a range of faiths and beliefs is particularly important for schools whose population does not have a high level of faith diversity.
From a multifaith perspective, it is important to recognise the nature of co-existence and contact among different denominational and faith communities, be it in peace or in conflict, and to consider their capacity for resolution and engagement with challenges of injustice and change.
One of the dilemmas facing teachers is how to negotiate a constructive way through differences in values and moral and ethical codes which faith groups subscribe to. There is no simple answer to these complexities. However through maintaining an open mind, being aware that there will be different perspectives from any one community or faith group, becoming informed of facts, teachers can attempt to engage with differences rather than avoid discussions around 'difficult' issues. This should also form a basis for children to explore their own values in relation to a spectrum of religions and their contributions to a diverse and inclusive society.
A useful book to read is Controversial Issues in the Curriculum, edited by J. J. Wellington (1986). This book offers insights into the handling of difficult issues in the classroom.
Schools and key faiths in Scotland
The material in this section was initially written by Sheila Laing, Headteacher of Forthview Primary, Edinburgh, for the CERES website and Anti-racist Staff Development Toolkit. Its focus is more multicultural and multifaith than directly anti-sectarian. However, these issues connect and it is hoped that this will be a useful resource for this site.
The advice detailed here is only a starter and looks at some specific requirements of the different main faith groups in Scotland such as the Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh communities. Some families will adhere to these strictly and some will not. It is vital that schools work in effective and respectful partnership with families with regard to issues of religious observance, dress and leave for religious gatherings.
Issues for Educators: Buddhism
Religious observance
Many UK Buddhists are converts, culturally indistinguishable from the rest of society, yet with distinct religious beliefs and requirements.
Core beliefs are
- avoid harm to living things
- non-violence
- sexual propriety
- not stealing, lying or slandering
- not creating enmity
Dress
No issues
Diet
Many Buddhists choose to be vegetarians and should not be offered food containing traces of animal by-products
Issues for Educators: Christianity
Religious observance
The ten commandments and Jesus's law of loving your neighbour are core values.
Dress
No significant issues.
Diet
All food is seen as a gift of God and should be enjoyed in moderation. Christians are expected to pray every day and may pray (say a prayer known as Grace) before meals. Alcohol can be enjoyed in moderation and drugs are forbidden.
Issues for Educators: Hinduism
Religious observance
Hinduism is often portrayed as polytheistic, with many gods. This is not correct. Hindus have many pictorial representations of god in different forms but all are an expression of the one god, Brahman.
Dress
Clothes should not be revealing. From the age of seven, many Hindu boys will wear a triple thread diagonally across the body. It is not acceptable to ask for this to be removed. It should be covered for Health & Safety reasons in PE.
Diet
Most Hindus don't eat beef, fish or eggs. Orthodox Hindus may undertake periods of fasting. Traditionally, Hindus consider the left hand unclean and eat with the right hand.
Issues for Educators: Islam
Religious observance
Islam is seen as non-representational. There are no pictures of god. Therefore some Muslims may not wish their children to depict animate figures.
Muslims are taught to be modest and so the mixing of two sexes has boundaries. In common with some other faith groups, sex outside marriage as well as homosexuality are not seen as acceptable.
Modesty should be observed. Sex Education should only take place after puberty and in separate sex groups, following consultation with parents which offers parents the right to withdraw children from Sex Education.
Sports, especially swimming, should take place in single sex groups and private changing facilities should be made available.
By the age of ten most Muslim children will pray five times a day. Schools should give consideration to provision of a quiet room for prayer, which will allow pupils access to washing facilities.
Boys may require to attend the mosque for prayer during Friday lunchtimes.
Pupils may require exemption from school attendance for the Festival of Eid. There are two 'Eids' in Islam. One after Ramadhan, Eid-ul-fitr and another after the Hajj, Eid-ul-Adha.
Dress
For girls the head and limbs should be covered. It is important for Muslim girls and women that the kind of dress worn should not be revealing. This is why some will wear the 'hijab' which is a headscarf and others, particularly women from an Arab background might wear a jilbab or a Burka (burqa) if you are from central and south Asia or a kaftan or other traditional dress if you are from Africa.
Diet
Pork is forbidden (haram). Meat must be slaughtered by a Muslim butcher (halal). The consumption of alcohol and intoxicants is forbidden.
In Ramadan, older children may fast during daylight. Schools should support the family's wishes about this, recognising the likely reduction in concentration and energy levels.
Issues for Educators: Judaism
Religious observance
Sabbath observance may mean some Jewish pupils are unable to participate in sporting activities from Friday to Saturday sunset.
Dress
Modesty is important. Therefore some Jews do not approve of mixed swimming and would require swimwear to cover much of the body.
The Star of David may be worn by some as an affirmation of Jewish identity and should not be considered on a par with other jewellery.
Diet
Pork and shellfish are forbidden.
Meat and other, foods eg. cheese, biscuits, must be kosher (conforming to Jewish dietary laws). These must not be consumed within the same meal as milk.
Meat and dairy products and related kitchen utensils must be stored in separate areas.
Jewish pupils should be allowed to bring their own ingredients to Home Economics.
Issues for Educators: Sikhism
Religious observance
Modesty is valued. Extra-marital sex is considered unacceptable. The use of birth control within marriage is acceptable. Drugs and alcohol are forbidden.
Dress
Hair should not be cut and boys should wear a patka (small headcovering) or a turban.
Baptised Sikhs should wear the five Ks - shorts, knife, bangle, uncut hair and comb.
Girls should dress modestly and may wear a sari or shalwar-kameez (trousers and tunic).
Diet
Many Sikhs follow a vegetarian diet. Beef and halal meat is unacceptable.
Exemplars of leaflets produced by Glasgow City Council for Schools supporting pupils from different faith groups Click and links will take you to the Anti-racist toolkit website.