Matthew

To teach RE you need a sense of wonder about the world

 

Matthew is a PPE graduate from Oxford in his first year of teaching. We spoke to him about his experience of teaching the subject as an atheist, and the type of person you need to be as a RE teacher.

As a postgraduate philosophy student, why did you go into RE teaching?

In RE, there is a lot of freedom for me to explore the passion I have for my subject while doing a job where I can help others and feel more socially engaged. I teach students how to argue and present their points of view on everything from ontological arguments for the existence of God, to Buddhist and Christian perspectives on climate change.

Running these debates and discussions, there’s a real sense that young people are working out what they think about big, global issues that will define the future. Not only are they developing their own worldview, but learning how to reflect thoughtfully about those of others.

What are some special moments you’ve had in the classroom?

In my school, in any given class you will have students from many different backgrounds and faiths. A RE lesson is an opportunity for them to bring out their lived experience of this. They can feel confident in sharing and teaching other students about how they understand their religion or worldview. RE really develops this cross-cultural competence of empathy and understanding that prepares our students very well for taking their place in society.

What sort of person do you have to be to teach RE?

You certainly don’t have to be religious – I personally am an atheist. You do however need to have a sense of wonder. If you are interested in teaching RE it helps if you are endlessly fascinated by the fact that people have radically different responses to what it means to be human and understand how the world works.

If you can bring that fascination to students then you can help students develop that intuitive sense of wonder that will really transform their lives.

Are you interested in finding out more about a challenging and rewarding career in RE teaching?
Visit Becoming an RE teacher