Schools across parts of northern England have been advised that some pupils’ artwork and classroom activities could be considered blasphemous under Islamic teachings, according to guidance issued by several councils. The document, titled “Sharing The Journey”, has been distributed to teachers to help them show “sensitivity and awareness around faiths and beliefs” in the classroom.

It encourages schools to adopt a flexible approach to religious differences and to recognise that some Muslim families may have concerns about elements of subjects including art, music, drama and physical education. The guidance warns that certain forms of imagery could conflict with Islamic beliefs.

It states that while Islamic civilisation has “a rich artistic tradition”, there are also religious sensitivities teachers should be aware of.

“A three-dimensional imagery of humans is considered idolatrous by some Muslims,” the guidance says.

“It is very important that the school understands this and is also careful not to ask its students to reproduce images of Jesus, Prophet Mohammed or other figures considered to be prophets in Islam.

“Some Muslim pupils may not wish to draw the human figure.”

The guidance has been circulated to several schools, including those within the local authority area of Kirklees, where Batley Grammar School is located.

The school was at the centre of a major controversy in 2021 when a religious studies teacher was suspended and forced into hiding after showing pupils a cartoon of the Prophet Mohammed during a lesson.

The document also includes advice on teaching music, noting that traditional Islamic practice often limits music to the human voice and certain percussion instruments.

It says there is “a diversity of opinion regarding music amongst Muslims” and schools should ensure that pupils are not asked to take part in songs that conflict with their religious beliefs.

Teachers are also advised to consider potential sensitivities during drama lessons.

The guidance says pupils should not be required to play roles that may compromise their faith, and that there may be concerns about physical contact between male and female students or performances considered immodest.

The publication also highlights religious considerations for other faith groups.

These include dietary requirements for Jewish, Hindu and Sikh pupils, as well as guidance around fasting and other religious practices observed by groups such as Rastafarians, Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses.

The guidance was first issued in 2022 by councils including Leeds, Calderdale, Oldham and Wakefield, reports the Daily Mail.

It has since been shared with other local authorities, including Tameside and Sefton.

The aim of the document is to help schools demonstrate a “sensitive and positive approach to religious and cultural diversity” for pupils, parents and carers.