This term, we have been learning about religion in our local community.
Children have explored their own beliefs by completing a reflection survey; they have learnt about the religions present at Bannockburn and in Greenwich, considering the positive impact the diversity of religion brings to our community; they have explored how faith and belief has changed in Greenwich over the last 50 years and they have discussed how faith communities support people.
This week, children took part in a Philosophy for Children session (P4C) where we explored the question:
Do you need to have a faith or belief to have values?
Children started the lesson by exploring their pre-lesson views about religion and values, marking groups of people on a scale of morality. From this, children discussed and challenged each other's views on the subject.
Have a look at the quotes below to see how some children's views were challenged and changed.
"At first, I thought you had to have a religion to have values but then I realised that anyone can have values if they have been taught them."
"My view didn't change. I have always thought that anyone could have values. I'm not religious but I have values."
"Our school has school values that everyone follows and shows - this is not linked to religion."
"At the start of the lesson, I thought that people who were religious would have more values. At the end of the lesson, I realised that values can be taught in religious books but also by people who are not religious."
"Values can be taught. Religious leaders, parents, teachers, friends and family can teach us values."
"Most religions teach the same values, such as being kind, being supportive and being helpful. "
We are really proud of the Year 6 children for discussing this topic in a courteous, mature manner and, ultimately, showing lots of our school values! Well done!
