Subject Knowledge Enhancement Resources
Background
As there is no longer funding for subject knowledge enhancement courses for those applying to RE PGCE courses we are aware that ITE providers will be looking for ways to support applicants to address gaps in their subject knowledge. To assist with this below is a list of largely free online courses, podcasts, webinars and websites that might be useful in putting together packages of support for applicants to develop subject knowledge prior to enrolment onto teacher education courses. These resources are also of use to teachers with other specialisms who are teaching RE and to primary teachers. You might also find this blog by Karen Steele from the University of Worcester useful New to RE? Developing Subject Knowledge
We thank Karen Steele for providing this comprehensive list of resources to develop subject knowledge. Whilst they have been written from an English context there is much that will be useful across the four nations.
Below is a menu (rather than a prescription) of resources for you to select from. They have been separated into sections to help you. Each section includes a range of resources. Those listed first are more accessible and those further down the list are more detailed. This list is not exhaustive but should provide you with a good introduction using reliable sources.
If you are on an ITT course your provider will give you a subject knowledge audit and help you track the development of your knowledge across your training year. In this situation the resources listed can be used to support and guide that development.
Tips
- Complete the subject knowledge audit (see download below) and use this to prioritise. Use the resource lists below to select the resources that will help you to fill the gaps in your knowledge. You can judge if you need to begin with the more simple resources, or need the more advanced one.
- Keep a record/ journal to record your progress (trainee teachers will be required to show the development of their subject knowledge, so this will be really helpful)
- Look at GCSE/ A-level specification and examination materials (more guidance below)
- Subscribe to the REOnline newsletter
- Subscribe to the Religion Media Centre news bulletins here:
- Join the National Association of RE Teachers (NATRE) – there is a student subscription – to get the latest news and access to resources.
- If you are in Scotland you will also want to join STARME