A Level Digest December 2023
A good book: An introduction to Shi’i Islam by Moojan Momen
Recently I wanted to deepen my knowledge of Shi’a Islam and this book was recommended to me. It is very easy to read and covers an extensive range of topic areas that are suitable if you are teaching Islam for the GCSE and A level. It provides a detailed overview of the development of this tradition in Islam as well as more information on key teachings and beliefs. I felt this complements other books that I have read in this area and has really helped to develop further my subject knowledge. I would highly recommend it to you if you are teaching this religious worldview.
Engaging with research:The stickiness of non-religion
In this research summary which is found for free on RE:ONLINE, Anna Strhan and Rachael Shillitoe discuss how various influences are at play in determining children’s non-religious identities. These include a non-religious upbringing and other expressions of non-religiousness (including how this is taught in schools). The study focuses on the experiences of primary school children and also their parents but it is also useful for exploring how religious and non-religious identity is formed. This article would be a really good discussion point in an A level lesson surrounding why people may or not hold religious beliefs and I think it could provide an additional criticism for whether philosophy can lead to belief in God. The link to the summary of the research (where you can also find information on how to access the whole article) is: The Stickiness of non-religion – RE:ONLINE (reonline.org.uk)
A good online course: Text talks on Buddhism (and other topics)
Recently I wanted to revisit and improve the work I was teaching on Buddhism. I returned to the lectures and resources produced by Dr Brian Black and others from Lancaster University. These are truly excellent and although I was focusing on Buddhism there are resources on the site that link to Hinduism as well. For those of you who are teaching Buddhism, there are lectures and notes linked to the life of the Buddha, the concept of samsara and the tradition of Mahayana Buddhism to name but a few. Do have a look at these whether you are teaching the subject at GCSE, A level or even KS3. The link to the site where you can find all of the courses is: @texttalks | Linktree
A good listen: Julian of Norwich
Regular subscribers to this digest will know how much I love listening to the In our Time programme on Radio 4. I think it is an excellent site for teachers and pupils a like. This recent episode is another example of how useful this is for all. It focuses on Julian of Norwich; a topic area which links to many A level specifications especially if they have a section on Religious Experience or even women in the church. The programme discusses not only her life but also her work including her book which has become known as Revelations of Divine Love. I love how her views of God as feminine are also discussed and shared. The link to the programme is: BBC Radio 4 – In Our Time, Julian of Norwich
Rachael Jackson-Royal is head of department of RE and is the exams and higher education officer on the NATRE executive.