Don't be afraid to rebrand your subject | Teacher Network | Guardian Professional

Don't be afraid to rebrand your subject | Teacher Network | Guardian Professional

National Secular Society - How do we keep religious education out of the hands of the evangelists?

National Secular Society - How do we keep religious education out of the hands of the evangelists?

Chris Street presents 'Humanism and Animal Welfare' to Wareham Middle School

Wendy Dimmick, an RE, Music and French teacher invited Chris Street to present to 3 classes at Wareham Middle School in Dorset on 3rd and 4th July 2013.

Wendy had already given 6 lessons on Humanism to three Year 8 RE classes of 20 pupils each class. 

Chris presented arguments for and against stunning animals before killing. Halal and Kosher meat has exemptions in UK laws so that animals are not stunned. The children discussed in pairs what they thought about a recent YouGov opinion poll about religion and non-religious beliefs in England.

Chris presented what Humanists believe and answered questions that the some of the 60 year 8 children aged ~12 had pre-prepared.

Questions included:-

• Do Humanists approve of Gay Marriage?
• Are you a vegetarian?
• Do you like not having to follow rules in Holy Books?
• If you had to join a religion which one would you join? (FSM was my choice!)
• Do Humanists believe in Demons and Spirits?
• Do you respect religious people?