Faith, the RE Teacher and Year 9

Although the focus of this paper is an area that might be seen as the preserve of religious education, it raises issues and offers insights which are relevant to all those concerned with the personal and social development of young people. Sharon Sims-King asks to what degree it is necessary for an RE teacher to have faith, and from this goes on to consider what we mean by 'faith' in any case. Has it become a contentless reassurance devoid of any real meaning? A small survey of Year 9 pupils shows that they have quite complex and differentiated views on the nature of faith, and also fairly broad views of the type of faith that should be expected of RE teachers. The findings are encouraging, demonstrating as they do that the young people of today are able to reflect on the 'big issues'. This study also illustrates the importance of investigating the views and attitudes of young people at school, and not assuming that the views of teachers and policy-makers are all there is to be said on this important topic.