Teaching our children values
Cynthia Harper, Sarah Green |
TEDxStMarysUniversityTwickenham
• May 2021
The question is whether actively promoting British Values means challenging opinions or behaviours in school. RE lessons can offer a structured and safe space during curriculum time for reflection, discussion, dialogue and debate. Excellent teaching of RE will enable pupils to learn to think for themselves about British values. This relates to the ideas around the Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) development of children. The aim of this talk is to consider British Values from a pedagogical perspective using experience from working in schools, current documentation and ideas for the future. How does RE in our Primary schools promote the FBV? What do we think are FBV? Do these need updating? Are these values universal? Is tolerance a good word? Is it the responsibility of RE to teach them and if so, why is it not a core subject? How does SMSC understanding develop in schools and is this the responsibility of RE? What skills and attitudes should be developed to address FBV and SMSC?