Teaching Hinduism in the UK

[Guest guest]

Our activities in promoting Hinduism in the UK are bearing

fruit. The new syllabus for Hinduism from London University

Board has incorporated some very interesting ideas.

I am sending a copy of our communication with the

London Board to the list as some list members have

shown interest in this topic.

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Message sent to Sharon Hague and Stephen Bowler

Chief officers for RE at Edexcel - (London University Board).

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Dear Sharon & Stephen

 

Thank you for sending the new specifications and marking schemes

for GCSE Hinduism.

 

(1) Changes to the syllabus: -

I am very impressed with the changes that have been put in place.

(i.e. The teachings of the caste system being demoted with more relevant

themes like contemporary teachers/teachings of Hinduism

+ role of local temples).

 

(2) Topics and marking schemes: -

I have found the material and the marking scheme pretty balanced.

 

(3) Full GCSE on Hinduism: - (short course still available)

It is good to see that a full GCSE will now be possible on Hinduism.

 

(4) Promoting a rational approach to Religious Education:-

Invoking rationality in religious education is an excellent idea.

Allowing comparisons and looking at strengths and

weaknesses of religious education against physical and social

sciences is very innovative.

 

(5) There are a few points suggested in the answer scheme

for Hinduism which are really not correct :-

" Material like:- 'taking life is to harm Brahman' !! AAAHH-

Why don't you consult me when you need input on Hinduism? -

Your technical people are just that, 'technical', plus they charge money,

while my services are free : )

 

(6) Pluralism within Hinduism and its role for the Interfaith

movement in the UK: -

This is a highly relevant topic.

I am very grateful that you have incorporated this.

 

(7) Our support for Edexcel: -

Hinduism classes are run on a non-commercial non-sectarian

format. We are the largest supplier of candidates studying Hinduism

in the UK. At the moment we run 8 classes. We are expecting

the number of classes will continue to expand. We promote the Edexcel

syllabus as we have found it very focused and the support from Edexcel

has always been excellent.

 

(8) Unusual developments overseas: -

We have been promoting the idea of learning/teaching Hinduism

based on an academic agenda (like Edexcel) rather than a sectarian

(or to a certain extent even religious) agenda. We have been

promoting this approach to several Hindu bodies overseas.

These bodies may want to link up with Edexcel so that they can

be permitted to allow their local candidates to study and and sit for

Hinduism examinations at overseas locations. At the moment

bodies in South Africa, Mauritius, British Guyana and (most

importantly) India - may want their candidates to study Hinduism

in the format set out by Edexcel. It is interesting to see how

the London Board is perhaps now becoming an instrument in

re-invigorating the teachings of Hinduism!

 

(9) IT resources on Hinduism: -

Our website: Hinduism for Schools gets 200 hits per day (mainly

from Schools in the UK). It is a relevant and popular site with

UK schools hence I suggest you review it and if found appropriate

please incorporate this site as:- 'IT Resource on Hinduism'.

Hinduism for Schools: http://www.hinduism.fsnet.co.uk

 

regards

jay lakhani

Vivekananda Centre London

http://www.vivekananda.co.uk