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Resurrection of religion in Scots schools

Religious education in Scottish schools is making a comeback. The number of pupils sitting Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies at Higher has seen a dramatic increase in the past year with the number of candidates taking the exam increasing by one-third, from 1323 in 2006 to 1751 this year.

The sharp rise follows a revamp of the course in 2005 by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), which made it more relevant to current affairs and emphasised the contribution of philosophy to the course, which involves the study of world religions and beliefs.

Teachers and academics believe the growing numbers reflect a desire by pupils to think critically about their own beliefs and those of others in what can be a confusing world to grow up. Elements of the course which deal with euthanasia, creationism and genetics have proved particularly popular.

The rise may also reflect the growing interest in the part religion has played in recent world conflicts and a parallel rise in atheism, led by philosopher Anthony Grayling and arch-Darwinist Richard Dawkins.

Full story at The Herald.