Religion in Schools

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To what extent should religion be taught in classrooms? Should lessons include non-religious beliefs? Is the teaching of religion compulsory, or should it be a choice for parents or children? The debate over religion in schools is contentious. This exploration examines significant changes in Wales and the lessons they offer. The Curriculum and Assessment (Wales) Act 2021 introduces a new curriculum that mandates the teaching of religion, values, and ethics, explicitly including non-religious beliefs, with humanist groups participating in its development. This marks a departure from England's longstanding laws, which, rooted in the 1940s, require religious education to primarily reflect Christian traditions and daily worship of a broadly Christian character, allowing for parental opt-out. Critics argue these outdated laws do not align with today's multicultural and secular society, with many schools failing to comply. This work investigates what can be learned from Wales to inform potential reforms in England, addressing shortcomings in Welsh legislation and the untouched rules on religious worship. Authored by a leading expert in law and religion, whose insights influenced discussions in the Welsh parliament regarding the 2021 Act, this book offers a critical analysis of the evolving landscape of religious education.