Gleniffer High School
Clare Marsh visited on the 26th of January
S4 Biology pupils were involved in a ‘critical thinking’ exercise as a joint venture between the Biology and the RE departments. The subjects under consideration were ‘Evolution v Creationism’ and ‘Is Genetic Engineering Justified?’
The panel of visiting speakers was made up of two Church of Scotland ministers, two representatives from SPUC (Society for the Protection of the Unborn Child) and a newly qualified biologist, specialising in embryology, and myself. The pupils were divided into groups and during the first two periods we circulated among the groups spending a few minutes explaining our stance on each of the two subjects.
Each group was then assigned a subject and a stance to argue for and during the next two periods they produced posters to illustrate their view.
The last period consisted of a question time session with members of the panel taking questions from the pupils.
My answers were greeted with loud applause and cheering. I think that most of the pupils had already decided that they shared my views. At one point I told them that they were the most fortunate generation ever because they had no need to take anyone’s word for anything; they could always consult the internet. For instance, if they ‘googled’- 'origin of monotheism'- they could find out all about the man who invented God. The lady from SPUC warned them not to believe everything they read on the internet. I had to point out how ludicrous that statement was coming from someone who believed in the Bible.’
The staff members were very pleased with the outcome of the event and asked if HSS speakers would return at future dates to explain more about humanism and our views on other matters.
Kilgraston, Bridge of Earn
Sandy Edwards visited this private school on the 24th of January 2012
Kilgraston School is a Catholic, independent boarding school for girls in Bridge of Earn.
This is what the teacher said about the visit:
“The theme for the day when you are visiting is ‘ reconnecting with what is most important in our lives’.
It will be a great chance for our girls to hear about Humanist answers to the question of what we need to connect to and how we should do this. In addition, I am sure the girls will be very interested to hear about your work for the Spiritual Care Department.”
Gryffe High School, Renfrewshire
Ross Wright visited on the 9th of January
I was invited by the head of RMPS at Gryffe High School to come to be questioned about Humanist Philosophy but pointed out to the pupils that there is no set of rules, no doctrine or dogma to being a humanist except try to treat others well and live and let live.
Visit to Bathgate Academy
Every year Bathgate Academy 6th year pupils have an ethics conference to discuss the ethical issues of the day. For the first time (following a teacher’s exposure to humanism at a wedding) the HSS were asked to participate.
Despite having 5 church of Scotland ministers as chaplains the children we obviously eager to hear other opinions. My presentation about how Scotland led the way in free thinking was news to many. To have adult, at the front of the assembled group declare he didn’t believe in god was liberating for many pupils who nodded vigorously in agreement during my talk.
Ross Wright
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