Secularisation

Dear Year 11, I’m sorry that I can’t be there to teach your lesson today.
Please complete this work booklet using the relevant websites to help you.
Make sure to submit your work at the end on Class Charts.

Our new topic is about Secularisation. This word means the process of becoming
less religious. For example, Britain is becoming a secular (non-religious) society.
100 years ago, religion played a much more important role in peoples’ lives than
it does today.

Task 1:

a) Read this page

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zhydpg8/revision/2
b) Identify 4 examples of ways in which society and family life has changed
over the years.
1.
2.
3.
4.
c) Explain why you think Britain is becoming less religious.

Task 2:

a) Look at the following website to find answers to the questions below

https://www.secularism.org.uk/
b) What is the National Secular Society?

c) Click on ‘Campaigns’ and choose one area to read about. Explain why the
National Secular Society campaign for/against the topic e.g. schools, RE
etc.

d) Do you agree with the aims of the National Secular Society? Why/why
not?

Task 3:
Humanism

a) Click here: https://humanists.uk/ and answer the questions below.

Bringing non-religious people together to develop their own views and an

understanding of the world around them

Humanists are people who shape their own lives in the here and now, because
we believe it's the only life we have. We make sense of the world through
logic, reason, and evidence, and always seek to treat those around us with
warmth, understanding, and respect.

b) The statement above is from the Humanist website. What does it tell
us about what’s important for humanists?

c) What differences can you notice with followers of religion? Can you
notice any similarities with religion? Explain your answer.

d) Humanists UK campaign against certain parts of British society. Write

down 3 examples of things they campaign against and explain why you
think this is important for humanists.
1.
2.
3.

Task 4:

The Sunday Assembly

a) Look at this website: https://www.sundayassembly.com/our-mission/

What do the images at the top of the page show? Do you think the event
looks religious or non-religious? Why?

b) What are some of the aims and values of the Sunday Assembly?

c) Why do you think membership of The Sunday Assembly has grown?

 d) Look at the charter (similar to a creed or statement of beliefs) below.
Compare The Sunday Assembly Charter with the aims of a Christian
Church. What similarities and differences can you notice?

Our Charter:

1. We’re not here to tell you how to live your life—we’re here to help you be the best version of you, you can be. The Sunday Assembly: Is 100%
celebration of life. We are born from nothing and go to nothing. Let’s enjoy it together.

2. Has no doctrine. We have no set texts so we can make use of wisdom from all sources.

3. Has no deity. We don’t do supernatural but we also won’t tell you you’re wrong if you do.

4. Is radically inclusive. Everyone is welcome, regardless of their beliefs—this is a place of love that is open and accepting.

5. Is free to attend, not-for-profit and volunteer run. We ask for donations to cover our costs and support our community work.

6. Has a community mission. Through our Action Heroes (you!), we will be a force for good.

7. Is independent. We do not accept sponsorship or promote outside businesses, organisations, or services.

8. 2. Is here to stay. With your involvement, The Sunday Assembly will make the world a better place.

9. We won’t tell you how to live, but will try to help you do it as well as you can.

10. And remember point 1… The Sunday Assembly is a celebration of the one life we know we have.

Task 5: Read the information on the next page. Write a paragraph

summarising what you think the effects of secularisation are on religion and
whether you think religion still has an important part to play in British life.

Task 6: Attempt these exam questions if you have finished:

a) Describe one example of secularisation in the UK today. (3)

b) Outline one belief held by humanists. (3)
c) Describe three aims of the National Secular Society. (3)