Religion and ethics

Cross-curricular topics: health and life skills In religion and ethics, the cross-curricular topic of health and life skills is about raising questions concerning one’s relationship to one’s own identity and what makes a good life. The subject makes room for reflection on the value of mutual understanding and the importance of setting one’s own boundaries. Working with ethical and existential questions builds the ability to handle difficult questions in one’s own life, including questions such as gender equality, gender and sexuality.

Democracy and citizenship In religion and ethics, the cross-curricular topic of democracy and citizenship is about pupils developing the ability to take other people’s perspectives through knowledge of religions and worldviews. By inviting pupils to discuss challenges connected to freedom of expression and communication in a diverse society, the subject contributes to democracy and citizenship. Through taking part in ethical reflection, pupils become able to examine power and exclusion critically and to question prevailing norms.

Sustainable development In religion and ethics, the cross-curricular topic of sustainable development is about pupils exploring existential questions and taking part in ethical reflection on nature and humankind’s place within it. This includes topics such as the future of humanity and the use of resources, and the perspectives that religions and worldviews hold on this. VG3: - explore and discuss how religion forms part of historical processes of change globally and nationally

• account for and analyse religion and worldviews from a majority, minority and indigenous perspective, with an emphasis on Sápmi/Sábme/Saepmie (the Saami homeland) and Norway
• account for and discuss current examples of the interplay between religion, worldviews and politics
• explore and analyse how religions and worldviews are expressed in the media and in popular culture
• identify and discuss ethical issues connected to communication, interpersonal relations and identity
• discuss human dignity and the intrinsic value of nature in the face of technological development
• discuss issues connected to group-based prejudice, racism and discrimination
• explore and discuss ideas about the human being as they are expressed in different philosophical traditions

Next steps

• Teaching guide — the hub
• Cross-curricular collaboration — methodology
• Cross-curricular projects — tasks — concrete tasks
• Curriculum for friluftsliv — the framework of the subject

Learn more

• UDIR — the Friluftsliv programme subject — curricula and competence aims
• NDLA — friluftsliv — digital learning resource
• Norsk Friluftsliv — professional organisation
• DNT — schools — courses and trips for school classes