●BALANCE ● AUTHENTICITY ●ACCURACY ● SENSITIVITY ●

• Accuracy
  It is possible (and often necessary, particularly for younger and less able pupils) to summarise beliefs and practices clearly. However, care needs to be taken to avoid over-simplification or omissions that can lead to distortion.
  Authors and editors should bear in mind that religious traditions are rarely homogeneous, and that they develop and change.
  Expert advisers should be involved at all key production stages, right up to completion of a book.

• Sources
  It is good practice to consult academics, faith organisations and primary sources to ensure accurate representation of religious traditions.
  Relying solely on single or secondary sources is liable to result in inaccuracies; for example, using previously published school textbooks as the main source of information may perpetuate errors or distortions.
  Provenance and context of quotations, e g from individuals, sacred texts and other documents, should be given.
  

• Consultation
  Ensure that all advisers are aware of the educational purpose of the resource (for example, it is not aimed at converting pupils) We recommend seeking advice from a range of believers. The beliefs and practices of one person, however senior or committed, rarely represent the diversity found within his or her religion. An authentic authoritative voice is essential.
  

• Diversity
  If the beliefs and practices represented are typical of one section of believers but not of others (for example, on the role of women in Judaism) this should be made clear in the text. If one voice is featured (for example, in an interview) it should be made clear that this is one of many possible perspectives. Ideally a range of voices would be included.

• Perspective
  Make clear the viewpoint and credentials of your writers and advisers (e g, in an author’s preface).

• Revisions
  Text books, even the most popular ones, should be revised and updated regularly – reprinting can be an ideal opportunity to do this.
  

• Terminology
  The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) publishes a Glossary of Terms for RE that has been widely circulated and checked. We recommend that this glossary is used by authors and editors to check that the currently acceptable spellings, definitions and terminology are used. It can be downloaded from http://www.qca.org.uk/ca/subjects/re/.

• Illustrations
  Photographs, artists’ impressions, cartoons, omitted / incomplete illustrations and mislabelling can offend and distort as much as textual errors.

• Assumptions
  Authors should be aware that the assumptions underlying some questions and discussion topics can offend some religious believers.
  
  
  « Previous - Next »