Education: English Baccalaureate

Debate between Lord Bishop of Birmingham and Lord Cormack

Thursday 5th May 2011 Lords Chamber

[Lord Cormack]

My Lords—

[The Lord Bishop of Birmingham]

My Lords, is the Minister aware of the deep and widespread concern that, in narrowing the compulsory subjects in the English baccalaureate, there will likely be a reduction in religious studies and religious education learning—rigorous academic subject that it is—and a consequent reduction, which is already happening, in places for PGCE training of RE teachers? Underlying that, there is the likely erosion of religious literacy, particularly among more able and older teenagers, which is essential in our diverse society. Would he be prepared to consider adding religious education to the other excellent humanities subjects of geography, English and history?