I have been connected to the REQM since its inception. One of the co-founders, Jane Brooke, was our local RE adviser, so I had a lucky local connection. My school applied for our first REQM while it was still in its infancy and we were lucky enough to receive the Gold Award. As an SLE in RE I trained as an REQM assessor and have been involved ever since.
We were initially interested as a school because we wanted to explore our next steps for developing our RE. We were inspired to develop learning through drama, and other innovations. Over time I have enjoyed supporting clusters of schools working towards the REQM, sharing good practice and working productively with our local SACRE.
When you look back over 11 years of the REQM, I reflect on the importance of being open to different ideas. We don’t all have the same assessment methods, pedagogy or even subject content when it comes to RE but the REQM has evolved so that different voices count and criteria can be met in different ways. I also reflect on the impact which it has had on my career. Speaking at a conference is normal for me these days, but I doubt without the support of the REQM I would have taken this step. The nurture of the subject lead is also important to the REQM process, it supports, questions, evaluates and develops.
I am convinced the REQM continues to have value in the RE world, and more widely. RE needs to stand alongside the quality marks of other subject areas and to be celebrated. The Evidence Form itself as a tool to help them to design an action plan for their subject areas. Being a teacher assessor also opens up opportunities for subject development and leadership.
As well as meeting other teachers, interviewing children about their learning and experiences of RE is always a delight. They are always so keen to show you what they know. Their experiences are wide, varied as is their passion for the value of the subject in their lives within the wider world.
As a teacher myself I know how worrying an assessor visit can be so I always chat to subject leads and get to know them before the visit. It is also fabulous to be able to give a teacher a well- deserved pat on the back and reassure them that they are doing a fantastic job, and to be able to feedback to SLT. This recognition is so important as being an RE lead is often quite a lonely job and the subject doesn’t always have the status it deserves.
It would be great to see the organisation grow and offer networking events. I love the ‘REQM map’ and would like to see opportunities for schools to be working together locally, for example, REQM Gold schools supporting new subject leads and hosting events. Let us make our communities more aware of RE and its relevance to today’s society.
I would say to those thinking of applying to think of the REQM as a journey. Work towards achieving the very best you can for your school, even if this takes time. Involve your SLT and governing body and keep them informed. I have found REQM to be an exceptionally supportive organisation who are driving standards. Get involved with it to develop your own departments, celebrate your achievements, share ideas with others and open doorways to other career opportunities.
About
Naomi is an Assistant Head Teacher at Frodsham Manor House Primary School where she delivers RE to all classes. She is the Primary Vice Chair of NATRE, an REQM Assessor and Cheshire West RE Adviser.