Leadership Scholarship programme case study: Matt Pitcher

 

 

How has taking part in the Leadership Scholarship Programme shaped or transformed your development as a leader?

The Leadership Programme has helped me to develop as a leader through giving me opportunities that I would not have had otherwise. It has allowed me to work alongside other leaders across the country, people whom I had heard of but never imagined working with. It has opened more doors and allowed me to write, read and guide other teachers.

What impact has the programme had on your practice, your school or organisation, or the wider religion and worldviews education community?

By working alongside colleagues on the NATRE executive and being part of AREIAC I have been able to work at a more regional and national level. Just having the insight into what others do in their daily work within the classroom and through training, it has helped me adapt and assess what I do in the classroom. It has helped me with curriculum design and assessing what I feel is essential in teaching RE but also the opportunity to read more and talk to the writers and academics that produce the literature that we take forward into the classroom. 

What did you find most valuable about the programme?

The ability to network with other teachers and advisors who are at the same stage as I am. Often we are quite insular with our work but having the chance to bounce ideas off each other and be sounding boards has really helped. Actually, being able to read research and see how we can apply it to our own practice and also add our own thoughts and critique has been really liberating as we have struck out of the mould of just teaching and being able to branch out into different areas.

 

Where has your journey taken you since completing the programme, and how has it helped you take the next step in your career?

My journey has led me into different areas. I have presented at several conferences – both local and national. I have contributed to a book about teaching RE, I have written blog pieces, I have developed curriculum materials and worked on exciting projects. I have given my thoughts about the development of GCSE and A levels and I’ve been elected to the NATRE executive to work with great colleagues from across the country. I co-lead the London and SE AREIAC group and I enjoy everything that I do to help our subject.

Why do you think people should apply to the Leadership Scholarship programme?

Why not apply? It’s too good an opportunity to miss out on. The people you work alongside come from all areas of education – from the advisor to the primary teacher, from the academic to the secondary teacher – you get to mix with wonderful people and talk RE. I have found the past four years refreshing to someone that is approaching three decades of being in the classroom. It has been more than I anticipated and as RE enters some exciting years ahead it could be you who helps shape what happens.