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The Report of the Religious Observance Review Group
foreword
When I met with the members of the review group for the first time to discuss our remit it was the start of a journey that was difficult and challenging but at the same time exciting and rewarding. We were a group of people from a variety of backgrounds and experiences and I am pleased to say that very quickly an extremely positive group dynamic developed.
Members of the group are to be congratulated for their commitment that has gone well beyond what might have been expected of them. Very much at the forefront of the group's thinking was the knowledge that whatever was recommended would have to be delivered by schools.
I believe our recommendations are realistic and achievable.
Ours was not an easy task as religion is a topic that always provokes a variety of often very emotive responses and views. These range across a wide spectrum of opinion from those who wish no religious observance at all in schools to those who wish to see much more.
Very early in our deliberations we recognised the importance of listening to and considering all views. This has been a principle to which we have adhered throughout the consultation process and during our consideration of the outcomes of that process. The consultation exercise conducted by the group has been extensive and members of the group spent many hours reading all the consultation responses and deliberating on the views expressed. These responses were also analysed and reported on by consultants from The Scottish Council for Research in Education (SCRE).
This report reflects a vision for religious observance in schools that I hope will have the support of schools and the wider communities who can and do contribute to religious observance. We have tried to make the report inclusive, reflecting Scottish society as it is today. I am sure it will promote much discussion and dialogue among those with an interest in this subject.
It is my hope that this review of religious observance will be seen by most as a positive way forward that will assist schools to promote the spiritual development of our young people. Religious observance as defined in this report has an important place in our education system and I commend the report and its recommendations to the Minister.
Anne Wilson
Chair, Religious Observance Review Group
Director of Education, Dundee City Council
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