Resource of the Month

April 2024

Hermeneutics in RE 

You might remember lots of talk of ‘hermeneutics’ when the Commission on RE was published in September 2018. The idea of adopting a hermeneutical approach to knowledge in RE was recommended in the report. This month we revisit some thinking around hermeneutics in RE by adviser Jen Jenkins. It is a valuable approach which can help to unlock complex and connected understanding, even in very young pupils.

If you are put off by the rather unusual word, don’t worry! Firstly, Jen defines and explains what this means. As you will see on this webpage.

Jen shares several classroom-ready resources which will allow you to bring hermeneutical thinking to your pupils. Jen’s work is for Primary age children, but Secondary teachers will find lots here to adapt.

If you would like to find out more, read these two blogs where Jen explains how she discovered the joys of hermeneutical thinking and why she thinks it offers so much for RE teachers:

Ways of knowing hermeneutics part 1

Ways of knowing hermeneutics part 2

Additionally this month, hear about how Culham St Gabriel’s Leadership Programme opened doors for Jane Yates. From representing humanism on her SACRE and working as an anti-racist advisory teacher, Jane is now leading, supporting and inspiring others in RE. Read about her journey here.

How should teachers respond when students want to talk about confusing and emotionally-charged events? Read about Hayley and her team’s approach to facilitating challenging current affairs conversations in the classroom.

Recommended by NATRE, you might find this curated list of resources to support schools when addressing contentious topics helpful.