Discovering Leadership

Life contains the most unexpected changes of direction. I never set out to be an RE teacher, never mind an RE subject leader.  Even more surprising to become a paid RE Adviser to my local SACRE, a provider of RE CPD to two local Councils and the North West Lead for the RE Hubs. How did this happen? Sometimes I still ask myself this. I had been an anti-racist advisory teacher in Cumbria and when I returned to the classroom, I was delighted to take the lead on RE and Philosophy for Children (P4C). It has been a steep learning curve, but I have enjoyed every minute. I hope this blog might inspire others to stretch their wings and discover leadership.  

I initially joined my SACRE as a Humanist representative, but a decade later when I found myself leading the review of the Cumbria Agreed Syllabus, I felt I needed expert guidance. I applied for the CSTG Leadership Programme and was delighted to be offered a place.  I was acutely conscious of the changing landscape and the move to Religion and Worldviews. I felt a huge weight of responsibly to have up- to- date knowledge, especially without any formal specialist training. Another reason for applying for the Leadership Programme was also a personal desire to find opportunities to engage in RE more on a national level. 

 The Leadership Programme certainly did support me to feel confident and competent. My Mentor Fiona Moss provided an invaluable space for me to reflect on my development as a leader within the subject. She created a non-judgemental environment in which we could discuss the challenges of creating a syllabus in a changing educational landscape.  

The mentoring process helped me to address areas where I lacked confidence and tease out my strengths. I realised I don’t have to be a leader in every aspect of RE, but the skills I have can be of service to the community. Fiona also provided me with valuable connections and sources of support from the wider RE community.  

The Programme supports members to engage in academic readings, which for me was hugely important. Prior to the programme, I had little knowledge of how RE has evolved as a subject and how contestable it is. I quickly realised how crucial this knowledge of the history of the subject is for understanding the current landscape.  I won’t deny that I found the academic readings challenging at times but through the reading group, led expertly by Sean Whittle, our understanding flourished. Having the opportunity to question the authors of the academic readings was invaluable. 

I particularly enjoyed being part of a Community of Practice sessions where we could discuss and explore together. These sessions helped me to better understand, take more interest and value the lobbying and campaigning by national RE organisations. We have all kept in contact, and had the pleasure of meeting again at the AREIAC conference, where the  programme funded out attendance.  

Without a doubt it was the Leadership Programme that gave me confidence and the capability to apply for the role as North West RE Hubs Lead. In many ways, the support I am now gaining from this RE Hubs national team is comparable to the Leadership Programme community.  One of the main things I have learnt is that leadership works best in collaboration with others. 

Since finishing the leadership programme in the summer of 2023, we have launched our new Locally Agreed Syllabus and I have been busy delivering CPD to support its implementation. What next for me?  I plan to grow into both of these new roles as North West RE Hubs Lead and local RE adviser to SACRE.  I have recently become a teacher trainer for Understanding Humanism so enjoying rising to the challenge of providing some of their national training.  However, I will also be keeping an eye out for teachers in Cumbria who I can support to become the next generation of leaders of RE.  Hopefully I’ll persuade them to apply for the Leadership Programme…