Initial Findings - Barnardo's Scotland Children and Young People Engagement - Children (Withdrawal from Religious Education and Amendment of UNCRC Compatibility Duty) (Scotland) Bill

Theme 4 – RME is important

Throughout both workshops, many of the children and young people discussed the positives of studying RME. They focused on RME as a subject that allowed them to understand all people both now and for their future lives.

‘If you don’t learn about religions, you could turn out a bit stubborn to other religions’

‘it is important to be a well-rounded person learning about moral issues’

‘RE is a subject that lets you understand other people’s views’

“you’d be ‘one minded’ and not understand other people’s religions’

‘People may drop out before they get the chance to understand’

‘it is important to understand others especially for life skills if you went to work in hospitality or care – you need to understand all people’

‘I think RO is different because it’s the doing. You might not feel comfortable praying so you shouldn’t be made to but RE it’s important you at least have an understanding.’

When asked about RME, these were the most common words or phrases used by the children and young people.

Moral questions Varied Important Hindu Religion Different religious views Variety Educational Learning Philosophy