Attend Islam class or be branded racist
Discussion
4v6 said:
Silver Smudger said:
Going on a school trip to learn about a religion does not mean these kids will be locked into a room and brainwashed! Studying the Land Down Under in geography did not try and force my to become Australian...
Youre missing the point, religion has nothing to teach anyone and it shouldnt be polluting the minds of kids.Silver Smudger said:
Some people here could benefit from meeting an actual Muslim and learning a little about them, rather than recoiling in disgust at the mention of Islam - Have many of you actually tried this yourselves?
What benefit is to be gained?The whole media continually carpet bombs us with muslim this, that or the other, its boring, pointless nonsense.
Strip away the idiotic beliefs of muslims and any other religious groups and youre left with people, simple as.
Learn about people yes, religious cobblers no.
Silver Smudger said:
That is what is valuable about RE - Learning about religious people, learning what they believe and why they do what they do. This is much more likely to give the student a realistic picture of other peoples, rather than getting their view of others from hysterical, reactionary Daily Mail readers.
Learning about someone elses sky pixie delusions is valuable?In what way is there any value in learning that my god is better than your god?
Youre a bit prejudiced against the daily mail arent you?
Maybe you should go on a field trip and learn more about it....
Silver Smudger said:
Just FYI, I am not a Muslim - I was brought up going to a Christian church, but had stopped believing by the time I was 15. I have no religious beliefs and do not encourage my children to believe in any gods either - However, I did not prevent them going on a school trip to one of the largest Sikh Gurdwaras outside of India - In fact I went along as a parent helper. I was impressed and fascinated, and learned things I did not know before, despite growing up in a town where Sikhs make up a large proportion of the community.
'Learning' is not just about the 3 Rs
Bully for you, What did you learn that enriched your life so massively and turned you into an even more wonderful human being?'Learning' is not just about the 3 Rs
Edited by Silver Smudger on Monday 25th November 02:27
The way the letter was worded was totally idotic - however educating children about all walks of life is important..whether it be Islam or whether it be about being a Jedi (has it been classified as a religion yet?) Its not like they were marching the children into a mosque asking them to dress up in a niqab.
How can you learn about people without learning about their beliefs and religion? The beliefs of a person will then determine how a person will behave. If people cant grasp that basic fact then things are really going down the pan...
I have friends from all walks of life and its fascinating how they all have their own belief system and while I may not follow or believe what they do, I try to take some sort of interest as it does allow me to interact with them without coming across as an ignorant tw@at.
It also means If i'm out with a jewish friend I'm not going to be a kn0b and go and take him to a pig roast, am I? How would I know not to take him to such a place?... through educating myself about his religion.
I am intrigued as to what people percieve as 'English' culture and how that should be taught?
I for one would want my children to learn as much as possible about other cultures, religions and beliefs. Not only will a person be able to make much more informed decsions, they will also be able to make their own minds up in a balanced way. If antyhing I would want my children to avoid those who claim we should solely be learning about 'English' culture.
The really ironic thing is that when I travel to other countries ( which is twice a month for work), its quite a common for people I come across to think that the English culture is all about binge drinking and getting into fights...they also seem surprised yet appreciate I take the time to learn the basics of their culture (which includes religion). I am pretty sure this has helped both my professional and personal progression in life.
fizz47 said:
Silver Mudger has it bang on correct ....
The way the letter was worded was totally idotic - however educating children about all walks of life is important..whether it be Islam or whether it be about being a Jedi (has it been classified as a religion yet?) Its not like they were marching the children into a mosque asking them to dress up in a niqab.
How can you learn about people without learning about their beliefs and religion? The beliefs of a person will then determine how a person will behave. If people cant grasp that basic fact then things are really going down the pan...
I have friends from all walks of life and its fascinating how they all have their own belief system and while I may not follow or believe what they do, I try to take some sort of interest as it does allow me to interact with them without coming across as an ignorant tw@at.
It also means If i'm out with a jewish friend I'm not going to be a kn0b and go and take him to a pig roast, am I? How would I know not to take him to such a place?... through educating myself about his religion.
I am intrigued as to what people percieve as 'English' culture and how that should be taught?
I for one would want my children to learn as much as possible about other cultures, religions and beliefs. Not only will a person be able to make much more informed decsions, they will also be able to make their own minds up in a balanced way. If antyhing I would want my children to avoid those who claim we should solely be learning about 'English' culture.
The really ironic thing is that when I travel to other countries ( which is twice a month for work), its quite a common for people I come across to think that the English culture is all about binge drinking and getting into fights...they also seem surprised yet appreciate I take the time to learn the basics of their culture (which includes religion). I am pretty sure this has helped both my professional and personal progression in life.
Great post; nail . . . . head!The way the letter was worded was totally idotic - however educating children about all walks of life is important..whether it be Islam or whether it be about being a Jedi (has it been classified as a religion yet?) Its not like they were marching the children into a mosque asking them to dress up in a niqab.
How can you learn about people without learning about their beliefs and religion? The beliefs of a person will then determine how a person will behave. If people cant grasp that basic fact then things are really going down the pan...
I have friends from all walks of life and its fascinating how they all have their own belief system and while I may not follow or believe what they do, I try to take some sort of interest as it does allow me to interact with them without coming across as an ignorant tw@at.
It also means If i'm out with a jewish friend I'm not going to be a kn0b and go and take him to a pig roast, am I? How would I know not to take him to such a place?... through educating myself about his religion.
I am intrigued as to what people percieve as 'English' culture and how that should be taught?
I for one would want my children to learn as much as possible about other cultures, religions and beliefs. Not only will a person be able to make much more informed decsions, they will also be able to make their own minds up in a balanced way. If antyhing I would want my children to avoid those who claim we should solely be learning about 'English' culture.
The really ironic thing is that when I travel to other countries ( which is twice a month for work), its quite a common for people I come across to think that the English culture is all about binge drinking and getting into fights...they also seem surprised yet appreciate I take the time to learn the basics of their culture (which includes religion). I am pretty sure this has helped both my professional and personal progression in life.
blindswelledrat said:
AFC1886 said:
I despair. What the f
k has Blair done to this country!?
It's created stupid people who think that one idiot reflects on the government, the country and everyone else in the worldk has Blair done to this country!?PCHeadteacher said:
it is a statutory requirement for Primary School aged children to experience and learn about different cultures.
This is what irks me. Foisting any kind of religion on kids that young who are unable to decide for themselves, the Govt has made it the law. I went to a school which had C of E leanings, but wasn't "a Religious School" per se. Everybody was obliged to do RE 'O' Level, we took it a year early at 15. It was sold to parents as "getting pupils used to the pressure of exams".
I found it quite interesting to learn about different faiths despite then and now being down with Richard Dawkins on religion, but each to their own. Included in this when we were 14 was a day trip to a C of E Church, a Gurdwara, a Synagogue, and a Mosque. It was compulsory in the sense that there was an unstated expectation that you would go, but you could have objected if you really wanted to. I don't think many did, frankly most 14yo boys were glad of a day out of the classroom, I recall that there was a particularly good copy of Mayfair being passed around the coach, far more enjoyable than The Synoptic Gospels.
Joking apart, I took it all in on the trip and was genuinely interested to learn about other faiths. Most importantly, I was old enough to take it all in. I just don't think kids of primary school age are, and threatening them over non-compliance is totally OTT. This headteacher needs a massive b
king. I'm guessing this is the kind of PC bulls
t from schools that you have to bite your lip at if you have kids? (I don't, but hoping to). 
chris watton said:
According to this story at least:
And unless the Brit spelling for Artifacts is different, the Head Mistress might look into a refresher on the basics of spelling and proof reading as opposed to bothering with things like calling a religion a race. ETA: I see that it is the Brit spelling; therefore, let's stick with the PC botherer pulling the racist card over a religion. DM said:
School wrote to parents telling them their eight-year-olds had to attend workshop on Islam - or be branded RACIST on their permanent record
Headmistress Lynn Small wrote to parents about multicultural school trip
Children will attend 'Explore Islam' workshop at Staffordshire University
Pupils would receive 'Racial Discrimination note' if they didn't go, she said
Parents at Littleton Green Community School in Huntington complained
Staffordshire County Council stepped in and head had to apologise
THE ORIGINAL LETTER FROM SCHOOL HEAD LYNN SMALL TO PARENTS
Dear Parent/Carer,
As part of the National Religious Education Curriculum together with the multicultural community in which we live, it is a statutory requirement for Primary School aged children to experience and learn about different cultures.
The workshop is at Staffordshire University and will give your child the opportunity to explore other religions.
Children will be looking at religious artefacts similar to those that would be on display in a museum. they will not be partaking in any religious practices.
Refusal to allow your child to attend this trip will result in a Racial Discrimination note being attached to your child’s education record, which will remain on this file throughout their school career.
As such our expectations are that all children in years 4 and 6 attend school on Wednesday 27th November to take part in this trip.
All absences on this day will be investigated for their credibility and will only be sanctioned with a GP sick note.
If you would like to discuss this further please contact our RE Coordinator, Mrs Edmonds
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2511841/Sc...
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
I know it's the DM, but the letter appears genuine. I think the headmistress was trying to be a little too PC for her own good.....Headmistress Lynn Small wrote to parents about multicultural school trip
Children will attend 'Explore Islam' workshop at Staffordshire University
Pupils would receive 'Racial Discrimination note' if they didn't go, she said
Parents at Littleton Green Community School in Huntington complained
Staffordshire County Council stepped in and head had to apologise
THE ORIGINAL LETTER FROM SCHOOL HEAD LYNN SMALL TO PARENTS
Dear Parent/Carer,
As part of the National Religious Education Curriculum together with the multicultural community in which we live, it is a statutory requirement for Primary School aged children to experience and learn about different cultures.
The workshop is at Staffordshire University and will give your child the opportunity to explore other religions.
Children will be looking at religious artefacts similar to those that would be on display in a museum. they will not be partaking in any religious practices.
Refusal to allow your child to attend this trip will result in a Racial Discrimination note being attached to your child’s education record, which will remain on this file throughout their school career.
As such our expectations are that all children in years 4 and 6 attend school on Wednesday 27th November to take part in this trip.
All absences on this day will be investigated for their credibility and will only be sanctioned with a GP sick note.
If you would like to discuss this further please contact our RE Coordinator, Mrs Edmonds
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2511841/Sc...
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
Puggit said:
Are you deliberately being obtuse? The problem is not with attending the event, it is the heavy handed nature from the headmistress 
.
Tbh I'd be very interested to learn a bit about Islam..
However the second that someone told me that I HAD to go and in such a heavy handed, overbearing manner, well I'd be wearing my RACIST badge with pride.
What is wrong with lefties? f
king idiots. fizz47 said:
4v6 said:
Silver Smudger said:
Going on a school trip to learn about a religion does not mean these kids will be locked into a room and brainwashed! Studying the Land Down Under in geography did not try and force my to become Australian...
Youre missing the point, religion has nothing to teach anyone and it shouldnt be polluting the minds of kids.Silver Smudger said:
Some people here could benefit from meeting an actual Muslim and learning a little about them, rather than recoiling in disgust at the mention of Islam - Have many of you actually tried this yourselves?
What benefit is to be gained?The whole media continually carpet bombs us with muslim this, that or the other, its boring, pointless nonsense.
Strip away the idiotic beliefs of muslims and any other religious groups and youre left with people, simple as.
Learn about people yes, religious cobblers no.
Silver Smudger said:
That is what is valuable about RE - Learning about religious people, learning what they believe and why they do what they do. This is much more likely to give the student a realistic picture of other peoples, rather than getting their view of others from hysterical, reactionary Daily Mail readers.
Learning about someone elses sky pixie delusions is valuable?In what way is there any value in learning that my god is better than your god?
Youre a bit prejudiced against the daily mail arent you?
Maybe you should go on a field trip and learn more about it....
Silver Smudger said:
Just FYI, I am not a Muslim - I was brought up going to a Christian church, but had stopped believing by the time I was 15. I have no religious beliefs and do not encourage my children to believe in any gods either - However, I did not prevent them going on a school trip to one of the largest Sikh Gurdwaras outside of India - In fact I went along as a parent helper. I was impressed and fascinated, and learned things I did not know before, despite growing up in a town where Sikhs make up a large proportion of the community.
'Learning' is not just about the 3 Rs
Bully for you, What did you learn that enriched your life so massively and turned you into an even more wonderful human being?'Learning' is not just about the 3 Rs
Edited by Silver Smudger on Monday 25th November 02:27
The way the letter was worded was totally idotic - however educating children about all walks of life is important..whether it be Islam or whether it be about being a Jedi (has it been classified as a religion yet?) Its not like they were marching the children into a mosque asking them to dress up in a niqab.
How can you learn about people without learning about their beliefs and religion? The beliefs of a person will then determine how a person will behave. If people cant grasp that basic fact then things are really going down the pan...
I have friends from all walks of life and its fascinating how they all have their own belief system and while I may not follow or believe what they do, I try to take some sort of interest as it does allow me to interact with them without coming across as an ignorant tw@at.
It also means If i'm out with a jewish friend I'm not going to be a kn0b and go and take him to a pig roast, am I? How would I know not to take him to such a place?... through educating myself about his religion.
I am intrigued as to what people percieve as 'English' culture and how that should be taught?
I for one would want my children to learn as much as possible about other cultures, religions and beliefs. Not only will a person be able to make much more informed decsions, they will also be able to make their own minds up in a balanced way. If antyhing I would want my children to avoid those who claim we should solely be learning about 'English' culture.
The really ironic thing is that when I travel to other countries ( which is twice a month for work), its quite a common for people I come across to think that the English culture is all about binge drinking and getting into fights...they also seem surprised yet appreciate I take the time to learn the basics of their culture (which includes religion). I am pretty sure this has helped both my professional and personal progression in life.
It's a silly thing to have written but I do chuckle at the fact that the posters who are all distressed would have been rejoicing if the exact same letter was published from the standpoint of the Muslim kids in that class who had to go on the trip about Christianity.
Same letter, same group of kids but tell it from a non DM angle and everyone would be praising the HM.
Same letter, same group of kids but tell it from a non DM angle and everyone would be praising the HM.
As I pointed some pages ago a local Church school had a visit (no worship) to the local church and 2 families refused to let their 12/13 year old go as they were pagans/Pagans.
No threats though. Although I would like to have questioned their choice of school as they send their youngsters to it instead of a nearer community school.
No threats though. Although I would like to have questioned their choice of school as they send their youngsters to it instead of a nearer community school.
Silver Smudger said:
Some people here could benefit from meeting an actual Muslim and learning a little about them, rather than recoiling in disgust at the mention of Islam - Have many of you actually tried this yourselves?
Lots and lots and lots, my home town is Rochdale. Call me racist if you like, but *overall* my opinion isn't very high (note the use of the word *overall*; my best girl friend (apart from my OH) is Pakistani, for example.)I'd try asking the question of the opinion of Islam of people who really do live with it day in, day out - non-Muslim inhabitants of Bradford/Oldham/Burnley blah blah (and I'm talking professional, highly educated people (eg. me)). You'd perhaps probably be quite shocked, but that's how it is.
Multiculturalism - load of old bolleaux!
Dog Star said:
Silver Smudger said:
Some people here could benefit from meeting an actual Muslim and learning a little about them, rather than recoiling in disgust at the mention of Islam - Have many of you actually tried this yourselves?
Lots and lots and lots, my home town is Rochdale. Call me racist if you like, but *overall* my opinion isn't very high (note the use of the word *overall*; my best girl friend (apart from my OH) is Pakistani, for example.)I'd try asking the question of the opinion of Islam of people who really do live with it day in, day out - non-Muslim inhabitants of Bradford/Oldham/Burnley blah blah (and I'm talking professional, highly educated people (eg. me)). You'd perhaps probably be quite shocked, but that's how it is.
Multiculturalism - load of old bolleaux!
Swervin_Mervin said:
Silver Smudger said:
...
'Learning' is not just about the 3 Rs
Couldn't agree more. The ignorance of the following posters only futher serves to reinforce the point. The irony is strong in this thread.'Learning' is not just about the 3 Rs
Perhaps if kids spent a little more time on the 3R's and a little less on this cultural crap you wouldn't be plummeting down every international education league table.
fblm said:
You do realise your post also also follows Smudgers. Irony huh?
Perhaps if kids spent a little more time on the 3R's and a little less on this cultural crap you wouldn't be plummeting down every international education league table.
Humans without 'cultural crap'. That'd be robots then. Perhaps if kids spent a little more time on the 3R's and a little less on this cultural crap you wouldn't be plummeting down every international education league table.
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