CIP Programme Manager Dr Iona Hine interviews Bushra Nasir CBE, a pioneering educator and advocate for religious education. They discuss the importance of religious education in the UK, particularly amid contemporary societal challenges such as politicized differences and misinformation. Bushra Nasir emphasizes the role of schools in fostering understanding, tolerance, and respect among young people, referring to specific examples of good practice from her time as head of Plashet girls’ school and an academy CO—and advocating for the importance of specialist teachers and an equitable place for RE. In context of the national curriculum review, discussion highlights the opportunity to address global and multicultural issues, and the essential skills of debate and critical thinking RE can develop.

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the role of education in their communities and consider how embracing diverse faith perspectives can contribute to a more cohesive and understanding world.

00:00 About the series: RE Future & Interfaith Futures

01:22 Introducing Bushra Nasir CBE

03:03 The Role of Religious Education in Contemporary Society

05:15 Building Capacities Through Religious Education

08:06 Policy Makers and Religious Education

12:56 Values in Religious Education

16:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts