BHA launches new website providing free resources to help RE teachers teach about Humanism
The British Humanist Association has launched Understanding Humanism, a new website of education resources designed to help young people learn about Humanism. This follows last year’s High Court ruling that non-religious worldviews must be included in Religious Education (RE) on an equal footing with religion.
Humanism is a non-religious and ethical life stance shared by millions of people in Britain and which has had a profound impact on our art, culture, history, and science. However, despite this, many young people have never heard of Humanism – including many who already live their lives according to humanist beliefs and values.
In response to requests from teachers and schools for support, Understanding Humanism has been designed to provide teachers with comprehensive, flexible, and free resources to enable them to teach accurate, high-quality lessons about Humanism. Teachers will be able to access lesson plans, presentations, classroom activities, videos, humanist perspectives, and more through the site, as well as book visits from local humanist school speakers. It is hoped these resources will enable students to get to grips with how most non-religious people approach life’s fundamental questions such as ‘Why should I be good?’, ‘Should I be afraid of death?’, and ‘How can I make my life meaningful?’
Luke Donnellan, Head of Education at the BHA, commented, ‘We are delighted at the excellent work already being done by many teachers to ensure young people have the opportunity to learn about non-religious as well as religious beliefs in school. However, we are aware that many teachers feel under-resourced when it comes to teaching about Humanism. These new resources have been designed with teachers in mind, so that more young people than ever can explore how non-religious people find meaning and happiness in their lives.’
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For further comment or information, please contact BHA Head of Education, Luke Donnellan, at luke@humanism.org.uk or on 020 7324 3070 or 07866 522322.
Visit Understanding Humanism here.
Follow Understanding Humanism on Twitter.
Find out more about how to book a visit from a free school speaker.
The British Humanist Association is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people who seek to live ethical and fulfilling lives on the basis of reason and humanity. It promotes a secular state and equal treatment in law and policy of everyone, regardless of religion or belief.
Understanding Humanism aims to introduce young people to Humanism as a non-religious approach to life which can be studied as an example of a ‘non-religious worldview’. We provide teachers with the resources necessary to teach accurate, high-quality lessons about Humanism, and to assist them with the development of their own subject knowledge. Our website offers lesson plans and activities, as well as free school speakers who can work with teachers to broaden students’ understanding. We encourage debate and support young people in forming their own opinions.
