Faith Summit with Rt Hon Alan johnson Mp Secretary

Author:  DR INDARJIT SINGH

FAITH SUMMIT WITH RT HON ALAN JOHNSON MP
SECRETARY OF STATE FOR EDUCATION
14 DECEMBER 2006

PRESENTATION BY NETWORK OF SIKH ORGANISATIONS ON ROLE OF FAITH SCHOOLS
IN DEVELOPING COMMUNITY COHESION

1. In looking to a more cohesive society it is important to consider impediments to community cohesion. It is important that we speak frankly and we hope the following sentiment will be taken in this spirit. Although some faiths believe that their’ is the only true way, or the final revelation, it should be appreciated that this view is not necessarily shared by others and attempts at proselytizing hinder community cohesion. The Sikh view is that no one faith has a monopoly of truth and the dominant ethos of a Sikh faith school is that all faiths should be respected.

2. The Sikh Assembly should relate Sikh teachings to current national and international concerns and remind pupils of their duties to wider society The Assembly should also be used to talk about key events or celebrations in other faiths

3. RE should include the teachings of other religions. Wherever practicable, visitors from other faiths should contribute to this teaching. The only Sikh faith school in the UK at Hayes in Middlesex is committed to teaching RE in line with the Locally Agreed Syllabus.

4. The equal treatment of males and females should be integral to all parts of the curriculum and all aspects of school life.

5. Teaching staff from other faiths should be welcomed wherever practicable.

6. Regular Ofsted inspections should include evaluation of the above.

7. A spirit of ‘seva’, or voluntary service within the school and in the wider community should be encouraged. In addition to seva in the wider community, the Guru Nanak Sikh Secondary VA School in Hillingdon also assists those in the young Offenders Institute at Feltham.

8. Use of the school as a community resource is highly desirable. The Guru Nanak Sikh Secondary VA School Guru Nanak School in Hayes leads in this.

9. Strong links should be fostered with neighbouring schools of other faiths. The Guru Nanak Sikh Secondary VA School has developed particularly good cooperation with a local Catholic school.

10. Strong links should also be developed with local employment and with educational institutions. The Guru Nanak Sikh Secondary VA School is leading in this area.

Dr Kanwaljit Kaur-Singh Dr Indarjit Singh 13-12-06

FOOTNOTE
The Sikh presentation was highly appreciated by the Secretary of State and by representatives of other faiths and it was agreed that all faiths would work together to produce a Memorandum of Understanding on such lines as guidance to all faith schools.

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