Religious studies shake-up to 'prepare pupils for life in modern Britain' The document, which will be subjected to a two-month public consultation, also proposes that schools teach about broad "philosophical and ethical" themes that outline the impact of faith in the modern world. This includes one thematic study on "religion, peace and conflict" which covers terrorism, "holy war," pacifism and concepts of forgiveness and reconciliation. Other themes include the impact of religion on sex, marriage and divorce, the connection between faith and science and the effect that belief has on crime, punishment and retribution. Details of the reforms come just months after the so-called "Trojan Horse" plot by hardline Muslims to take over schools in Birmingham. Ministers have already outlined plans to require all schools to promote fundamental British values across the timetable in the wake of the scandal and Ofsted has threatened to clampdown on institutions that fail to follow a "broad and balanced" curriculum. The changes were backed by leading faith groups but have been strongly attacked by humanists after it emerged that atheism would form no part of the new qualification. A group of almost 100 academics, teachers and authors has now written to the Department for Education, accusing it of "proposing to turn the clock back" by ignoring the needs of non-believers. The consultation document sets out the "expectation that students recognise the diverse range of religious and non-religious beliefs represented in Great Britain and the fact that the religious traditions of Great Britain are, in the main, Christian." Nicky Morgan, the Education Secretary, said: "It is of paramount importance that young people understand the central importance of religion in Britain's cultural heritage and high quality religious education in schools is key to achieving that. By ensuring that young people learn about more than just one religion this new GCSE will better prepare students for life in modern Britain. I would like to thank all the religious organisations who have contributed to this process for their help developing the new content. The consultation outlines plans to spend 25 per cent of the two-year course studying one faith and 25 per cent on the second, with another 50 per cent taken up with broad thematic studies. Another option would involve 50 per cent of time on one faith, 25 per cent on the second and the final quarter on religious themes. The document includes six main faiths but Christianity is included twice, with one chapter focusing specifically on "Catholic Christianity." Last year, a national framework for religious education - setting out recommended lessons for children under the age of 14 - included atheist views as well as minority faiths. But these have been cut from the new GCSE. Andrew Copson, chief executive of the British Humanist Association, said: "Forty years of progress in RE, including last year's RE curriculum framework, make it clear that the systematic study of humanism contributes to making the subject both rigorous and relevant. What sense does it make for pupils following that new framework and studying humanism, to then be denied the chance to continue that study in their GCSEs, alongside the study of religions? Russell Hobby, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, said: "The study of religion is vital to an understanding of history, current affairs and human motivation. But if young people are to study religion in state schools it is vital that they are exposed to the beliefs and practices of more than one religion.