New Publication – Time for Reflection Volume 5: Christianity: Values and Issues

The new publication Time for Reflection Volume 5: Christianity: Values and Issues is an essential resource for teachers, school leaders, chaplains, and anyone involved in delivering Religious and Moral Education (RME) and Religious Observance (RO) – now commonly known as Time for Reflection (TFR) – in Scotland’s schools.

Published in 2025 by Steve Younger in partnership with Christian Values in Education (Scotland), this booklet builds directly on Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) framework. It focuses on the spiritual dimension of education, helping schools meet the ‘All Experiences and Outcomes’ requirements for spiritual wellbeing across all stages, from Early Level to Third and Fourth Levels (and beyond). The text highlights how spiritual wellbeing is expressed through sensing mystery, values, meaningfulness, ‘at-oneness’ with nature and others, ‘otherness’, and challenge – drawing from experiences of awe, wonder, love, beauty, goodness, joy, compassion, justice, wisdom, suffering, and even death. It aligns closely with CfE’s emphasis on health and wellbeing, where every teacher shares responsibility for nurturing children’s mental, emotional, social, physical, and spiritual development.

While the official CfE guidance provides broad statements rather than detailed prescriptions, this booklet offers practical, focused support – particularly for the ‘Christianity: Values and Issues’ strand within RME and TFR. It groups ideas by CfE stages and includes:

• Ideas for assemblies and events that meet selected Experiences and Outcomes
• Specific references to key Christian values (such as Wisdom, Justice, Compassion, Integrity) and how they connect to CfE capacities (Successful Learners, Confident Individuals, Responsible Citizens, Effective Contributors)
• Material compatible with SHANARRI indicators and Health & Wellbeing benchmarks
• Suggestions for richer partnerships with local faith communities, school chaplains, and church groups
• Scripture references and links to further exploration, suitable for both school and church contexts (e.g., Sunday groups, SU groups)

The companion volumes (Seasons, Words, Reflections, Treasures) provide additional material for events and assemblies, but this latest title zeroes in on Christian perspectives on values and contemporary issues, making it ideal for exploring spiritual development in a holistic, inclusive way.

Whether you’re planning whole-school assemblies, year-group reflections, cross-curricular inputs, or partnerships with faith communities, this booklet equips you to deliver meaningful opportunities that support pupils’ spiritual growth while respecting Scotland’s diverse educational landscape.

Priced at just £5.00 plus £2.50 postage and packing, Time for Reflection Volume 5 Christianity: Values and Issues is an affordable way to enhance your school’s approach to spiritual wellbeing and TFR.

To order your copy or enquire, contact Steve Younger at highblantyresteve@outlook.com.

As a special offer in the run up to Easter, order both Time for Reflection Volume 4: Treasures and Volume 5: Christianity: Values and Issues for just £8.00 plus £3.00 postage and packing.