Global terms: Resource Spotlight

Subject Knowledge for Teachers – Islam

 

Resource Spotlight: Subject Knowledge for Teachers – Islam

January 2023

We are delighted to kick off 2023 with a new book by popular author, teacher and adviser Dr Chris Hewer. For years Chris has researched, written and taught around the idea of ‘Christian-Muslim relations’, and the theological interaction between Islam and Christianity. Chris has gained a rich expertise in understanding Islam which makes him a valuable source of subject knowledge for teachers.

Whatever the teacher’s own background and worldview, for the majority of the time in the Religion and Worldviews classroom, we will be teaching a tradition, belief or way of life that we do not follow ourselves. We need accurate and reliable subject knowledge to provide the basis for lessons.

Chris’s new book is of great benefit for teachers of Islam, especially at GCSE. The GCSE specification requires a knowledge of the differences between Sunni and Shi’a practices and subtle differences in belief, as well as an understanding of how these differences developed. However these distinctions are important for teachers of Islam of all age groups.
Main website: https://chrishewer.org/
GCSE guidance: https://chrishewer.org/g-c-s-e/

The book details the events leading up to a seismic moment in Islamic history; the martyrdom of Hussain. Find out about the influential figures and concerns at the time, as the Islamic community was expanding rapidly, and finding its feet as a powerful new arrival on the world stage. Encounter big themes such as justice, equality and sacrifice which will help you bring the story to life for your students.

The section on Chris’s website is called ‘Hussain and Justice’. Here you will find additional material for study, including a map, timeline and who’s who, as well as a PDF of the complete book.

Find everything you need here: https://chrishewer.org/hussain-and-justice-study/

Subject Knowledge for Teachers – The RE Podcast

Resource Spotlight: Subject Knowledge for Teachers – The RE Podcast

March 2023

For this term’s theme of ‘subject knowledge’ what could be more perfect than the RE Podcast? If you don’t know about this already, you will be glad to find out about it here. The RE Podcast is an enjoyable way to explore religion and belief in the world created by RE teacher Louisa Jane Smith. Louisa brings a wide range of information to listeners through interviews, first-person accounts and analysis.

Whatever age you teach, this is a wonderful resource to develop teachers’ own subject knowledge. You can listen while you drive, walk or complete other tasks so this is an easy and accessible way to fit CPD into your life. Find out about your world!
Louisa recorded the 100th episode of the RE Podcast in February 2023. Here she gives her top take home points from 100 interviews:

  1. Bad deeds don’t get written down straight away in the book of deeds – Allah gives you time to make amends
  2. The books of Acts was written before the Gospels
  3. Hinduism is more authentically called Santan Dharma
  4. Sikhism is more authentically called Sikhi
  5. There is a Religion Media Centre and they are awesome
  6. It is better to use the word Allah, not God when teaching Islam
  7. Intersex affects the same number of people as those who have green eyes
  8. There is something called Sunday Assembly which is like Church but non-religious
  9. CSTG run a Leadership Programme every year for RE teachers who want to progress their career

Louisa recommends this ‘decolonising’ series as a good place to start:

S2 e10: The one about the decolonisation of RE
Lou talks to ash about why we need to decolonise our curriculum

S3 e4: The one about decolonising Sikhi
Lou and Ash Kundi chat to Dr. Jasjit Singh about how we can be more authentic in teaching Sikhi

S3 e9: The one about decolonising Sanatan Dharma
Lou and Ash chat to Molly Acharya about how to decolonise our teaching of Hinduism. Or Hindu Dharma

S7 e7: The one about decolonising Islam
Lou and Ash talk to Shabnam Khaliq about how we can more authentically teach Islam with a focus on the impact of prevent.

S7 e12: The one about decolonising Buddhism
Lou and Ash talk to Dr. Wendy Dossett about our bias when teaching Buddhism.

The Good Reasoning Tree: Oracy Focus Week Resource Spotlight

Resource Spotlight: The Good Reasoning Tree

Will Ord has created the Good Reasoning Tree, a free resource suitable for use with primary and secondary age pupils. He describes this as a ‘thinking planner’ that aims to help young people learn the ‘Art of Argument’. But I would suggest the art of discussing and disagreeing well could be supported too.

You can view an explanatory film as well as the basic version of the good reasoning tree suitable for primary-age pupils and the advanced version for older pupils.

The Lived Worldviews of Tower Hamlets

Resource spotlight: The Lived Worldviews of Tower Hamlets

Ruth Marx was awarded a 10th anniversary grant from Culham St Gabriel’s to research and create resources into core- Religion and Worldviews for Key Stage 5. This suite of resources is the result of this research and explores the worldviews of 13 individuals who live or work in Tower Hamlets interviewed about their worldviews. The worldviews discussed are from a range of religious and non-religious traditions and the interviewees are expressing their own opinions and not representing any organisation as a whole. Each video is accompanied by an editable power point with activities to embed and extend the learning and an overview document shows the worldview(s), themes discussed and cross curricular links which can be explored with this resource. Whilst created with core 16-19 Religion and Worldviews in mind these resources may be of use for younger age groups and for teacher CPD.

  • Could you create a suite of resources like this for your area?
  • Could you share one of these resources and compare it to a case study of a person in your area?
  • Do let us know how you use these resources?

All the resources are available in The Lived Worldviews of Tower Hamlets Padlet

A taster video is available below:

The value in an education in Religion and Worldviews

Resource Spotlight: The value in an education in Religion and Worldviews

October 2022

The value in an education in Religion and Worldviews

What does it mean to take the lead in Primary Religion and Worldviews? Naila Missous, Year 6 class teacher in Greater Manchester, earned a place on Culham St Gabriel’s Leadership Programme. As part of this programme she took two modules of study, exploring current thinking about leadership, curriculum and the aims of the subject. This month we are hosting an unusual resource, a set of speeches Naila wrote as part of her work. You might never give these speeches yourself (although you might) but we think you will be inspired nevertheless.
In these 4 speeches Naila outlines to 4 different audiences the value in an education in Religion and Worldviews. As you can see there are lots of ideas relating to different aspects of the world of the Religion and Worldviews teacher; connected to children, parents, the wider community and colleagues who lead other subject areas. Use these speeches for your own documents or conversations, or just read them to appreciate the important space we occupy in the curriculum.

Read more from Naila in her blog here

Theologies of Reading

Resource Spotlight: Theologies of Reading

November 2021

This month we present a resource by Jen Jenkins, RE Facilitator for Coventry and Warwick, exploring ‘Theologies of Reading’. Jen explains how holy texts are read in a variety of ways in Judaism, Christianity and Islam. You will find the whole resource interesting with practical uses in the classroom.

This is a resource for Primary pupils, but there is much Secondary-age pupils can gain.

Whole resource

Islam Section

Practical introduction to hermeneutics

Resource of the month: Practical introduction to hermeneutics

February 2022

You might have heard the dreaded ‘H’ word: hermeneutics. What is it? This month we present a practical introduction to hermeneutics in the classroom by adviser Jen Jenkins. In a series of Powerpoints Jen sets out the aim of hermeneutics and the great benefits it can offer for learning. These PPTs would be great for a staff or department meeting, CPD for your local network, or just for your own understanding. Stuffed with clear explanations, practical ideas and resources, find out how hermeneutics can enhance your teaching and develop your pupils’ understanding.

Jen has voiced the PPT slides, click on the grey ‘speaker’ button on each slide to hear her explanations.

Religion, Worldviews and the Media

Resource Spotlight: Religion, Worldviews and the Media

January 2022

We embark on our new theme of ‘ways of knowing’ with a fascinating conversation with Ruth Peacock, director of the Religion Media Centre. Listen as Ruth sets out some of the challenges and joys of reporting on religion in the media. Treat this resource as you would a podcast- listen while driving, exercising or even doing the washing up!

Recorded on 3rd November 2021. Ruth Peacock, Director of the Religion and Media Centre chats to Kate Christopher. Ruth shares some insights including the ways in which religion and worldviews are presented in the media.

The Religion Media Centre’s daily briefing on religion in the news is an incredibly useful resource. Sign up via their website: 

Religion Media Centre

Religion and Worldviews Approach to RE Toolkit

Research Spotlight: Religion and Worldviews Approach to RE Toolkit

May 2024

The moment we have been waiting for- the REC’s Religion and Worldviews Approach to RE Toolkit is here!

Starting with the creation by Stephen Pett and Trevor Cooling of the Religion and Worldviews Handbook, this comprehensive national guidance has been 3 years in the making. What does it consist of?

A handbook for curriculum writers, for teachers, advisers and SACREs. This includes an overview of the religion and worldviews approach, as well as step-by-step guidance and advice when creating a religion and worldviews curriculum.

Two curriculum frameworks, created by two teams of teachers and advisers, to see Religion and Worldviews in action. A third is to follow. These curriculum frameworks include planning and resources across all age ranges, and are ready to download now.

You will also find advice about the National Content Standard and additional reading to support your understanding.

Check out the full offer of advice, guidance and resources, there is lots to explore in the Religion and Worldviews Approach to RE Toolkit

Our Research of the Month features team leader Gillian Georgiou reflecting on the process of creating one of three curriculum frameworks.

RE Hubs

Resource Spotlight: RE Hubs

March 2024

Have you heard of the RE Hubs? This is a network of local groups supporting Religion and Worldviews in your area. Resource of the Month for March is the RE Hubs website, and all the opportunities it offers. RE Hubs is a one-stop website for busy teachers to locate support and resources, as well as an information exchange to increase accessibility for all teachers to local and regional professional development and research AND to enable teachers to teach with greater confidence through their access to the support, knowledge, training and resources available in their region.
Main website: https://www.re-hubs.uk/

What does this offer you?

  • Find kitemarked and trained school speakers and over 400 places of interest to visit
  • A Hub leader in each region, there to support and guide at a regional level
  • Find up-to-date national news and blogs, as well as regional events and training
  • Try the ‘Upskill’ tab, offering a wealth of links to excellent resources
  • ITT/ ECT/ NQT specific news and resources

RE Hubs works closely with all RE organisations, sharing news of training opportunities, from how to set up a local group, to CPD for existing groups. to MAT RE leads network meetings

Dive in and see what the site has for you!

‘Introduction’ Level E- Learning Courses

Do you keep hearing phrases that you need to find out more about, such as a ‘multidisciplinary approach’, or ‘progression and sequencing’ or colleagues talking about research?
Try our Introduction level e-learning courses to support you in becoming well-informed and able to join the conversation. Covering the most influential current issues and ideas in the subject, pitched at a basic and friendly level- have a go- you won’t regret it.

Introduction to RW course
Introduction to Curriculum course
Introduction to Subject Knowledge course
Introduction to Research course