Upwards of 200 secondary school pupils will have the chance to explore an eclectic mix of faiths when the annual Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies Pupil Conference is held at the University of Aberdeen tomorrow (Friday, September 17).
The conference is the third of its kind and will welcome fifth and sixth year pupils from schools across North East Scotland and Fife, who will enjoy a packed day of events specially tailored for their age group.
The day-long conference features a series of mini lectures, delivered by staff from the University's School of Divinity, History and Philosophy, while workshops on a variety of religious themes will be led by class teachers.
The international flavour of the day will be highlighted by the popular Open Forum, chaired by two pupils who will introduce a number of speakers from around Scotland representing the Brahma Kamaj Meditation Movement, Islam, Humanism, Buddhism and Christianity. Aberdeen is pleased to welcome Bishop Bruce Cameron to speak at this forum.
The innovative event aims to give pupils an insight into University-level education, while they learn more about religion and its related subjects.
The conference has been organised by Dr Francesca Murphy, Reader in the School of Divinity , History and Philosophy at the University of Aberdeen . She said: “This conference is a great opportunity to raise the public profile of religions in Scotland , and to give people an opportunity to question the meaning of religion for today.'
Cath McKay and Sandi Watt are S5 pupils at Harlaw Academy who are looking forward to attending tomorrow's conference. They said: “We are sure this experience will serve to be of great value and importance to our personal understanding and thoughts related to our Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies.”