Religious Education – where it’s been, what it’s doing and where it’s going

The story of Religious Education is one inhabited by Gods and Demons. The different political and ideological camps know all too well who is and is not on their side. From the House of Lords to the local Advisory Council battles are fought and now the issue of free schools is a special bone of contention. At best Religious Education is an extraordinarily rich interdisciplinary pursuit from which pupils and students can gain a great deal.

In today’s talk John Holroyd will include some of the key moments in the recent history of Religious Education in Britain, but the focus will be on the current and projected causes of concern and sources of hope for this vital aspect of a child’s education.

John Holroyd grew up in North Yorkshire. He graduated in Philosophy and Religious Studies and gained his PGCE. from King’s College, London in the 1980’s. After working in a Rudolf Steiner community with mentally handicapped adults and teaching TEFL in Greece he has taught Religious Studies and Philosophy in schools in and around London for the past 29 years being Head of Religious Studies at St. Dustan’s College for most of that time. In 2016 John began teaching part-time at the London School of Philosophy and also for WEA. He is a published writer and is currently writing a book about ethical evaluations of religion.

Doors 10.30. Entry £3, £2 concs./free to Conway Hall Ethical Society members.

Tea, coffee & biscuits will be available.