Leadership Scholarship programme case study: Ruth Marx
How has taking part in the Leadership Scholarship Programme shaped or transformed your development as a leader?
A greater understanding of the RE ‘world’ beyond my own school setting and my own SACRE- the different stages as I am secondary trained but have learnt so much more about primary RE following the programme. The different legislation around the types of schools and requirements for RE to be taught, the different approaches to RE with the aims and educational philosophies that underpin them. But this programme was also practical in that I could discuss with the others and the mentors and others involved how that theory plays out in real leadership and situations. The programme helped me to focus in on what I think makes good RE and how to support others with this.
What impact has the programme had on your practice, your school or organisation, or the wider religion and worldviews education community?
The programme enabled me to continue working in the RE world when I thought I wouldn’t be able to anymore (I live abroad) by giving me the confidence in my ideas to know that I still have things of worth to offer the community and contribute to it. The direction, suggestion and well general mentorship from my mentors (who I still keep in touch with and know I can reach out to) literally saved my RE life!
What did you find most valuable about the programme?
Having the time and space to really think about RE and what we’re trying to achieve through this subject- the challenges and opportunities we’re facing and how I can support with this. Making lifelong friends with others on the programme, we still have an active WhatsApp group years later and share things and celebrate together on there and of course when we see each other in person it’s an absolute treat!
Where has your journey taken you since completing the programme, and how has it helped you take the next step in your career?
Since doing the programme I have:
- taken up being Chair of my SACRE
- become co-vice Chair of AREIAC
- joined the conference planning committee member for AREIAC
- joined the steering group for the Culham St Gabriel’s Trust RE:Exchange conference
- presented at the conferences above
As well as this I have contributed to national resource creation (Oak) and other national projects including Big Ideas, True Tube, RE:Teach Lists and I have a chapter in the upcoming book ‘How to succeed as an RE teacher’.
Why do you think people should apply to the Leadership Scholarship Programme?
If you want to understand the RE world more beyond your setting- beyond your local area- and to lead others in their understanding of it and improvement of our subject. This year especially would be an incredible time to join the programme with the discussions around the inclusion of RE in the national curriculum! What a golden opportunity- do not miss it!!!