How Different is Religious Education in Catholic Schools?: A study of teacher aims in England

A sample of 285 teachers concerned with teaching religious education in state maintained secondary schools completed a questionnaire concerned with five different aims in religious education. The data demonstrate that teachers in Roman Catholic schools give the same emphasis as teachers in non-denominational schools to four of these aims: to understand the influence of religion, to think critically about religion, to reflect on ultimate questions, and to develop a positive attitude toward religion. At the same time teachers in Roman Catholic schools give greater emphasis than teachers in non-denominational schools to the confessional aim of promoting a religious way of life.