Philosophical RE

Edited by Lat Blaylock

Rating:

This publication is the latest in the RE Today series called ‘Engaging with Secondary RE’. With many new agreed syllabi focusing more on philosophical questions and ideas, this is a welcome new resource. The book is based on five questions:
    •   What is real?
    •   Does believing in God make people good?
    •   Why evil and suffering?
    •   What is God like?
    •   Is it true?

Each question is tackled using a different approach by leading RE advisers and teachers. For example, the question ‘What is real?’ is tackled through the use of story, image and film. There is a questionnaire about reality and a maze of ideas to stimulate effective speaking and listening in the classroom.

In addition, there is useful information for the teacher on the nature of philosophy and its relationship to Religious Education. There are helpful references to other publications and on-line support throughout the book. One chapter is devoted to an analysis of Philosophy for Children and the use of communities of enquiry in the RE classroom. An excellent example is given showing how an enquiry of this kind may benefit students studying a concept such as the sanctity of life. Students’ responses are highlighted showing how they were able to reflect on a philosophical question before and after discussion. 

Many aspects of the book can be photocopied for classroom use. Clear links are made to the QCA’s Non-Statutory National Framework and to ‘I Can’ statements which link to level descriptors. The only slight reservation with this publication is that it does include similar activities and strategies to some other RE Today resources; nevertheless they are in a different context and do give teachers ideas to work with and adapt for their own classroom situations.

Reviewer: Kathryn Wright, Independent Education Consultant

Review posted on: 1 May 2008

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