The documents discusses the implications of the National Policy on Religion and Education for the classroom practice. It outlines the objectives of the National Policy and how religion can be taught in the school/classroom.
The implications of the National Policy on Religion and Education for the classroom
practice.
Introduction
In this contemporary world, we live in a society that is rich in diversity. The society’s
structure is comprised of different races and tribes, succeeding the uniqueness of language,
culture, tradition and religion. As a democratic society, it is therefore imperative to recognise,
support and embrace the individuality of the people (Hodgson, 2010). This is probable
through ensuring equality throughout all sectors, where no particular religion or certain group
practices are dominant or more recognised than the other. In order to achieve this, the
Council of Education Ministers drafted and approved a National Policy on religion and
education (Government Gazette, 2003). The policy stipulated the importance of recognising,
protecting and respecting students’ rights to religious beliefs particularly in public schools.
This paper will explain in detail what the national policy implies on religion and education
for the classroom practice. It will look at what the policy suggests about religion education,
how religion education should be implemented and taught in schools. In order to determine
what the policy implies, the paper considers both students and educators of religion education
Objectives of the National Policy
The main objective of policy is to shape and influence the relationship between religion and
education according to the values of the society. The two were interlinked after the
realization that religion has a distinctive contribution towards education and so was education
on religion, hence the introduction of religion in education. The policy states that schools
have the responsibility for teaching about religion, but should not do it the same way as the
families and churches do. This means that religious education offered in a public school
should not be religion-specific or denomination biased. In a classroom setting, all students
should feel that their religious beliefs are respected and not condemned. The National Policy
on religion and education does not, in any way; gives a prescription to schools. However, it
presents to the schools a framework to follow in order to determine guidelines on the two
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