An innovative conference for senior school pupils is being staged by the University of Aberdeen Faculty of Education. Designed for senior school pupils studying Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies at Higher Level it is the first of its kind in Scotland.
Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies is an increasingly popular school subject. This day-long conference features a series of mini lectures delivered by staff from the University's School of Divinity and Religious Studies and workshops run by teachers. All activities will focus on specific subject areas of the course and will directly relevant to ongoing classroom teaching. Over 175 senior pupils from 12 schools across Fife and the North-east will be attending the event on Thursday September 19.
David McMurtry, Lecturer in Religious and Moral Education and conference organiser said: "The aim of the conference is to facilitate learning in the context of the student's studies in the classroom. All the lectures and workshops are specifically based on the areas of the RMPS Higher course that each class is studying. This is an opportunity for the participating students to learn from experts and to have dialogue with their peers that will add to their motivation and enthusiasm for their studies. In addition to learning about religion, we hope that the participating students will learn from religion and that they will reflect deeply about their own beliefs and opinions both on the day and afterwards. The open forum provides a unique opportunity for the students to witness inter-faith dialogue and to discuss questions and issues with followers of different faiths. There has been such a tremendous interest shown in the conference that it is oversubscribed. I am grateful to the generous financial support being given by the University and also the support from local authorities and the schools themselves."
A particularly interesting aspect of the day will be an Open Forum chaired by a senior pupil at which a Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim and Christian will talk about their faith and what it means to them. Christine Arthur, a 6th Year pupil at Kincorth Academy, will introduce the speakers and invite questions from the audience.
Amongst the audience of pupils, teachers and members of the new Faculty of Education will be John Brown, the lead HMI of Education for Religious and Moral Education.