Links with other national educational initiatives

Anti sectarian education complements other educational initiatives that educators will be familiar with. It connects in particular with National Priorities Three (Inclusion and Equality) and Four (Values and Citizenship). Developing a whole school approach to anti-sectarianism will enhance the work all schools are already engaged within as part of their work in developing anti-bullying policies and programmes, education for citizenship, work on fairness and equality (e.g. anti-racist education). An anti-sectarian approach is one that connects with the closer focus Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education is placing on work in school's on equality and fairness. A recent inspection report illustrates this (see the section on 'Ethos' in the report). Anti-sectarian education assists young people to develop skills in a range of areas e.g. critical thinking, negotiation, diversity, enterprising skills and attitudes that are valued within enterprise education. Anti-sectarian education can contribute significantly to the purposes of a Curriculum for Excellence.  It can help to develop successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors from all religious and non-religious backgrounds.

Education is seen by policy-makers, politicians and society at large as having an important role to play in the promotion of equality, fairness and justice. Finn (2003) suggests that education can assist with opening up dialogue and discussion with young people about why these prejudices and conflicts arise in the first place. This will create a more informed citizenry who might also develop the confidence to challenge any sectarianism or religious intolerance they might encounter.