Why does an education in Religion and Worldviews (R&W) matter? – Abby (KS3)

Abby aged 14 explains how an education in Religion and Worldviews creates a safe space and opens doors. We loved the creative use of language in Abby’s blog and the idea that Religion and Worldviews/RE is beautiful.

Now that’s the beauty of R.E.

When I asked myself why R.E. was an important and good subject to learn at school, I was faced with many points whizzing in my head. However, the more I thought about these ideas, I realised -for me R.E. has a deeper impact on young people’s lives. When I’m in R.E. it is like we have sound proofed the classroom, creating a safe environment to discuss faith: your own faith, but also to grasp an understanding of your peer’s faith, or absence of faith. It is a non-judging lesson where you can simply talk. In the modern day, there are many opposing views when it comes down to religion. Occasionally, this can cause disruption, it shouldn’t, but it still does. R.E. lessons create a safe place where you can freely talk and ask questions that you may be hesitant to ask, as someone may disagree, or you don’t want to be seen as rude. You can question faith without the fear of showing disrespect, for example, ‘Why do some girls cover their hair?” or “Why do some men carry a ‘knife’” or even cover touchy subjects such as abortion- In R.E. you are safe- you can discuss these topics which burden you. You can ask questions which elsewhere you don’t want to ask; deepening your knowledge and therefore opening new doors for communication, as you can respect with your newly discovered knowledge. Some will say R.E. is great as you can learn new things; discover new festivals- yes agreed great! But in my opinion not as great as the freedom for honesty, an hour in your day or week where you can discover, expand and talk. No longer are you oppressed by burdensome questions as your enquiries have been addressed and your views safely heard. Now that’s the beauty of R.E.

All of the winning blogs will be published on RE:ONLINE during May. You will find all the ones published so far here

For a list of all winning and highly commended blogs see here