Developing an anti-sectarian course

What is the course about?

The course is a free-standing unit of work on the subject of anti-sectarianism.

The course was originally delivered to S2 pupils at Grange Academy, Kilmarnock (and continues to be). The Department of Religious and Moral Education is responsible for its delivery.

The aims of the course are:

To introduce the pupils to the negative nature of religious bigotry, religious intolerance and sectarianism;
To help pupils to develop an understanding of the nature and subtlety of religious bigotry and religious intolerance;
To help pupils to develop an awareness of the positive nature of religious diversity and partnership;
To develop a positive and empathetic stance to religious diversity and to celebrate the positive nature of this diversity;
To encourage skills such as discussion, cognitive conflict, critical thinking and writing skills.

The course does not pretend to offer a definitive answer or a solution to the issue of sectarianism and religious intolerance. Rather, it is a first exploratory step by a teacher and pupils into an area that is sensitive, controversial and can affect everyone.

Meeting 5-14 requirements

The unit of work is based on the 514 document Religious Education, in particular the Personal Search element 'Relationships and Moral Values' at Levels D and E.

Level D

Be aware, through consideration of examples, of the need for social order and the rights of the individual;
To be able to give a simple explanation of the Golden Rule;
Be able to apply this rule to real or imaginary situations deducing positive outcomes;
Identify situations of need and suffering in society;
Show awareness of individuals and groups who / which seek to show practical concern for those in the situations identified.

Level E

Begin to explore the implications of loving one's neighbour;
Explore and show some understanding of the general moral principles of justice, tolerance and equality;
Be able to apply moral principles to the issue of prejudice;
Be able to explore these principles in their own life experience;
Begin to explore situations of moral conflict and be able to offer a reasoned personal opinion.

Contributing to the purposes of the curriculum 3-18

This course develops pupils’ capacities in line with the purposes of the curriculum 3-18, most importantly it contributes toward young people becoming responsible citizens with a commitment to participate responsibly in political, economic, social and cultural life and able to able to understand different beliefs and cultures

In addition each activity contributes towards other elements of A Curriculum for Excellence. These specific contributions are noted alongside descriptions of the activities.

Meeting Quality Indicators

The Quality Indicators demonstrated in this course are:

Curriculum

1.1 Structure of the curriculum

Learning and Teaching

3.1 Teacher's planning
3.2 The teaching process
3.3 Pupil's learning process
3.4 Meeting pupils' needs

Ethos

5.3 Sense of equality and fairness

Resources

6.2 Provision of resources

A flexible and interactive approach

The course is structured but open-ended to allow ad hoc and impromptu engagement in discussion and to allow cognitive conflicts to be addressed.

The course attempts to create a learning experience where the pupils will develop a knowledge and understanding of how sectarianism, religious bigotry and religious intolerance can develop from what the pupils take for granted as being harmless actions and interactions. Most pupils identify a need to develop their knowledge of this area of human activity.