Instead of creating a new subject called ‘philosophy and values’ for considering codes of private and public behaviour, as proposed by Peter Wilby ( TES, 27.02.04 ), I suggest that citizenship is already available as a subject suited to this purpose.

Research published in 2000 showed that young people themselves wished to be taught citizenship in terms of values and the kind of character and behaviour required in a good citizen.

As you have recently reported, Ofsted now expects governors to take seriously their statutory responsibility to hold a daily act of worship and reflection providing an excellent opportunity for exploring such elements of the citizenship requirements, with religion playing its rightful role in
compliance with the 1996 Education Act.

(Rev) John Brown
Middleton-on-Sea
West Sussex