Religion Education and Critical Education: The Case of Barnato Park High School in South Africa

Abstract

This paper uses a case of a South African public school, Barnato Park High, to reflect on if there is a space for religion education and, more specifically, a critical pedagogical approach to teaching the subject at a school that promotes a Christian ethos. I will first define the concepts of critical education and religion education in South Africa, and then move onto providing a brief historical background of the school. The paper will reveal that with the school promoting a Christian character, it may be challenging for it to create an open and inclusive educational environment that exposes learners to religious diversity.