A RELIGIOUS education teacher asked pupils to stand on one side of the classroom if they believed in God and the other if they didn't - then stood with pupils in the atheist corner.
Parents at North Chadderton School, Oldham, say they were also upset by homework which asked Year 7 children from a mixture of faiths - including Muslim youngsters - to draw a picture of God. Most Muslims regard making drawings of God and key religious figures inappropriate.
One mum, who has asked not to be named, claims the exercises have created divisions between pupils.
She says her 11-year-old daughter and new classmates were asked to decide whether or not they believed in God and stand on opposing sides of the classroom.
The teacher then asked pupils to guess on which side of the room she belonged.
The mum said: "All the kids were saying they thought she believes in God as she is an RE teacher, but she told them she doesn't and stood with those children who began cheering and jeering at the others.
Impartial
"I think as a teacher, especially in RE, she should have remained impartial. She's a role model for these children but she's already forcing a division in a new class and instilling doubt in the children's faith.
"She should teach the kids to show respect for other people's beliefs, regardless of what they are, rather than appear to take sides."
The mum, who has taken her concerns to the school, accepted that the homework exercise would be thought-provoking but added: "It would be hard for the Muslim children as we're not allowed to draw images of God and how are atheists supposed to draw something they don't believe exists?
"My daughter is quite strong in her beliefs but she says she doesn't feel supported by her teacher." School bosses said the lesson had been designed to stimulate debate but apologised for causing offence.
Respectful
Acting head Fiona Jack said: "The aim of the lesson was to help to start a respectful and thoughtful discussion on the subject of faith.
"We would never belittle or offend anyone's religious convictions. The school has been in contact with the parents concerned and apologised for any inadvertent upset.
"North Chadderton School is committed to supporting and developing the personal and moral well-being of all pupils."
The 1,500-pupil secondary school teaches pupils from a mixture of backgrounds.
Former pupils include supermodel Karen Elson and former Brookside actress Nicola Stephenson.
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RE teacher row: Hands up if you believe in God
September 17, 2009
Showing comments 1 to 25 and replies | View All
Mike S, Manchester (17/09/2009 at 14:04)
Jiggerz, Mancunia (17/09/2009 at 14:09)
Teachers are people too, they have preferences and beliefs that may differ from those of children, it doesn't make them bad teachers. Though this particular teacher's request for Muslim children to draw God shows that she needs to spend a little more time on planning her lessons!
Du Pain De Tete (17/09/2009 at 14:29)
Welcome to the real world children of North Chadderton School
adders, Co.Cavan ex Manchester (17/09/2009 at 14:30)
Everone has the right to be an atheist. NO-ONE has the right to fill a job for which they are not suited and be a total hypocrite.
Garsinho, Manchester (17/09/2009 at 14:37)
better off red (17/09/2009 at 14:56)
Are we now saying that no matter what your faith / societal background, that you are now forced to be bored with the rest of us?
About time too.
Totally agree with the can't spell can't add view. The people I work with under 25 have no clue on spelling or maths, and their spoken "inglish innit" is appalling. Bring back the birch!
Careless Whisper (17/09/2009 at 14:58)
JTC Formerley JimC (17/09/2009 at 15:07)
Here lies an atheist, all dressed up and nowhere to go.
Ran Droid, Manchester (17/09/2009 at 15:08)
They're there to teach the religion, not be religious.
And lets be honest, isn't an atheist the best choice? They're at least not biased towards one religion, and can give the kids a rounded education in many faiths.
Barney Gumball LLB Hons (17/09/2009 at 15:11)
CorneredAllTheLuck, Tameside (17/09/2009 at 15:13)
Drew-Peacock, Our House (17/09/2009 at 15:20)
This was to stimulate thinking...that's what education is about, especially RE, it isn't indoctrination, it's about thinking about all faiths.
Anyone who feels like a need to complain about the way the teacher taught their children should accept THEY are not the childs teacher.
citycentre, manchester (17/09/2009 at 15:25)
There is no reason why someone who does not believe in a god can not teach about religion, they are teachers not priests.
CorneredAllTheLuck
You should watch Bruce Almighty
Free Red, Manchester (17/09/2009 at 15:32)
adders, Co.Cavan ex Manchester (17/09/2009 at 15:40)
And nobody said you have to be a priest, what nonsense.
PW, Manchester (17/09/2009 at 15:45)
Mark,Radcliffe. (17/09/2009 at 16:03)
Goosey (17/09/2009 at 16:12)
Their French teacher probably isn't French, but I'd be prepared to put a hefty sum on them believing in France.
The girl next door , North west (17/09/2009 at 16:31)
The argument is that there wouldnt be if eve wasnt thrown out the garden of eden for eating the forbidden fruit.
A Singleton, Gorton (17/09/2009 at 16:33)
Creation of Adam by Michelangelo ?
Sistine Chapel ?
(Opening titles to The South Bank Show)
citycentre, manchester (17/09/2009 at 16:35)
So you would say each school would need a qualified teacher, who was also a believer for each faith that pupils need to be taught about?
Schools should be there to teach, anyone with knowledge can do that, rather than baptise for which a believer is needed.
Kris-Kross, Ashton Under Lyne (17/09/2009 at 17:09)
Do we just want children to sit and absorb whatever they are told even by their own parents?
I believe in a Creator but not religion. I am open minded enough to listen to Christians, Jews, Muslims etc it is no threat to me or them.
Common sense please!
adders, Co.Cavan ex Manchester (17/09/2009 at 17:23)
You cannot justify someone being a complete impostor and depriving someone else, who has belief and enthusiasm for the subject, of a job.
I don`t care personally whether you or anyone else is an atheist. That`s your choice. And I don`t profess to be a 100% believer either. But one thing I cannot stand is someone pretending to be something they are not. I`d rather have one of those religious bores preaching at everyone than some fraud. At least you know where you are with a zealot and you can ignore them if you wish.
Now, is that all too difficult to understand or are you interpreting my comments as being from one of those same zealots I and others shun?
mark quck (17/09/2009 at 17:37)
adders, Co.Cavan ex Manchester (17/09/2009 at 18:40)
I know they are cliches but when talking to people about racism I always use these: 1) babies all cry in the same language. 2) If you were lying dying in the street, would you care what religion a person was if they saved you with the kiss of life?
There are too many divisions in the human race. People of all faiths are precious and should be protected.
Too much flag-waving, proud to be this or that.
If Man ever colonizes space, will there still be people denigrating those who live for example on another colonized planet?
Do we choose where we are born? No.
You only have to look at the pictures of the Earth taken from space to realize how foolish all the racism is. A tiny ball spinning around, a speck of dust in the cosmos, yet foolish people still claim they are proud to be this or that.
If only mankind would see the big picture and put people before divisons.