We are celebrating our 10th anniversary today! To celebrate we are launching 10 special grant awards of £1000 each. Applications have now opened. We are looking to support 10 small innovative projects or initiatives that will make a difference! Closing date: 22nd September.
Find out more and apply at https://www.cstg.org.uk/grants/celebrating-10-years/
Last term we ran a pupil competition to find out what difference an education in religion and worldviews makes to children and young people. From next week you will be able to read and listen to some of them talk about this, but here I want to give a few reflections of my own based on some of the fantastic entries we received. You can also find a list of all the winners and those highly commended at the end of this blog.
An education in religion and worldviews changes attitudes and promotes positive values
Children and young people who entered our competition spoke of the ways in which it increased their sense of empathy towards others, as well as respect and openness towards differing perspectives. Some stressed an even stronger notion that their lessons can promote social justice, dispelling stereotypes and showing that freedom of religion or belief is vital to uphold in our society. Bea and Laurie used a lovely phrase ‘treasuring people’, going beyond a sense of tolerance to deep appreciation of others.
An education in religion and worldviews increases our knowledge and understanding of the world
We live in a complex world, one which is hard to navigate. Children and young people see the value of an education in religion and worldviews in terms of understanding human beings and the world in which we live. They talk about history and meaning, understanding symbolism, learning from great minds, and exploring the nature of wisdom itself. Chloe talks about the way in which her increased knowledge and understanding led to a more enriched experience on a holiday trip where she could apply her learning practically and reflect upon it.
An education in religion and worldviews inspires young people to think critically and make a difference
A common thread through many of our entries was the idea that lessons enabled pupils to think and act in new ways. Zara says her ‘brain was about to explode’; whilst Amelie says her lesson was ’eye opening’ and ’boggled her mind’! There was a sense of emotional engagement by many pupils, particularly when lessons had an element of mystery or surprise. Some talked about the way they had been inspired by people who had made a difference to the lives of others; this had led them to consider how they might make a difference in their local community, society or the world.
I will end with a quote from Zara (Key Stage 3), who sums up for me why an education in religion and worldviews can make a real difference:
This lesson taught me the importance of asking important questions to not only have a better understanding of yourself and the nature of the world around, but to be able to use that knowledge to build a better world.
Winners
Alexander, Felton CE Primary School
Bea and Laurie, Broomwood Hall Upper School
Harriet, Felton CE Primary School
Ramya, Warren Road Primary School
Zara, Felton CE Primary School
Chloe, St James Senior Girls’ School
Joseph, Hethersett Academy
Lili, Woodford County High School
Amelie, Kings Norton Girls’ School
Zara, St James Senior Girls’ School
Highly Commended
Finley and Cole, Hethersett Academy
Shreya, Plashet School
Thank you to everyone who entered our 2022 competition. The judging teams had difficult decisions to make. Congratulations to all the winners.
This short briefing paper sets out some of the ways in which the RE (religion and worldviews) community can support Teaching School Hubs. This includes providing subject specific knowledge of policy about the subject, content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge and opportunities for teachers to engage with educational theory and research.
The briefing paper has been produced jointly by: The National Association of Teachers of RE, The Religious Education Council of England and Wales and RE Today Services. Their work is supported by Culham St Gabriel’s Trust.
NATRE are currently recruiting for a Lead Director of Regional Hubs. Details of this part time role can be found on NATRE’s website.
The Religious Education Council of England and Wales (REC) is a national charity which campaigns and advocates for high-quality education in religion and worldviews. Their vision is for every young person in England and Wales to experience academically rigorous and personally inspiring Religious Education (RE).
After a strategic review, the REC Board of Trustees now needs an Executive Officer to report to the Chair of the Board and to lead the delivery of their new strategic plan.
Full information can be found on the REC’s website here
Between 2018-2020 a grant was awarded to RE Today Services by Culham St Gabriel’s Trust and The Jerusalem Trust to develop an infrastructure of regional support across 10 regions in England. The aim was to gather and support hub related initiatives through 10 regional ambassadors, under the leadership of a national ambassador. St Peter Saltley Trust has also funded important continuing development aspects of this project.
This project had much success including:
The funding was for a two year project and through the evaluation development opportunities have been identified to progress this initial project to better meet the perceived needs in the RE/R&W community over the next three years.
We have developed a Theory of Change to support the next steps for the project as follows:
Overarching Aim and Impact:
The RE/R&W community working effectively together nationally (multi-nationally) and across the regions to support all teachers and leaders of the subject in a sustainable way.
Specific Aims:
To improve communication between teachers, professional development providers and resources, and research communities
To improve connections and interactions between different parts of the RE/R&W Eco-System
To increase accessibility for all teachers to local and regional professional development and research through an information exchange
To enable teachers to teach with greater confidence through their access to the support, knowledge, training and resources available in their region
To create a sustainable long-term model for future provision
Outcomes:
Improved communication between teachers, CPD and resource providers, local/regional adviser networks and research communities
Improved cohesion and strategic operations between different RE/R&W organisations and groups
Improved engagement by teachers with RE/R&W local groups/networks
Increased access to wide range of professional development locally and regionally
Secured long term funding for this project
Improved accountability lines for the project
What does this mean in practice?
In order to work towards these outcomes the following changes will be taking place from November 2021:
This development means that the current national and regional ambassador structure and roles have come to an end. All those in these roles have been part of the conversation and have been informed of the changes; we were greatly encouraged that there is overwhelming support for moving the project in this direction. One or two are continuing with some specific events in the next few months, and all working information is being gathered to build on the success of the existing project.
The Steering group have their first meeting in November, and after this more details will be released about the new roles and how the project will work on the ground.
If you have any questions please do contact us.
Kathryn Wright ceo@cstg.org.uk
Zoë Keens zoe@retoday.org.uk
We are an endowed charitable foundation, committed to providing teachers of religion and worldviews and other professionals with the support, connections, challenges and professional development they need.
Interested in joining us?
We are looking for trustees to join our Board who have one or more of the following areas of expertise or experience:
• Serving primary and secondary teachers
• Communications, marketing, public relations
• Human Resources
• Finance, account and controls experience
• Digital/Media expertise
• Lobbying
For more information download the document below.
For an informal conversation with our Chief Executive, Kathryn Wright, please email ceo@cstg.org.uk
In summer 2021, Culham St Gabriel’s Trust commissioned research through Savanta to understand more about public perception of an education in religion and worldviews.
Find out the results here
Culham St Gabriel’s welcomes the publication of Ofsted’s RE Research Review today. This review clearly articulates the importance of understanding what we mean by substantive knowledge, ways of knowing or becoming scholarly in RE, and personal knowledge. We support the call for the effective sequencing of knowledge enabling pupils to build towards subject-specific end goals. The review reminds leaders that RE is to be taught in all schools and in all key stages, and that an ambitious curriculum is to be delivered. We believe that this review supports our own vision for a broad-based, critical and reflective education in Religion and Worldviews contributing to a well-informed, respectful and open society.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ofsted-publishes-research-review-on-religious-education
This was the question that many teachers posed to their pupils last term for our inaugural Blog Competition. We had an amazing number of entries and it is clear that everyone has a view on Religion and Worldviews (or Religious Education). At the end of this blog you can see the names of all the winners, but here I want to draw out some of the key themes and creative ways in which pupils want to advocate for our incredible subject.
An education in Religion and Worldviews enables us to understand diversity in our world.
The diversity of our complex world was a recurrent theme. Bloggers spoke of everyone being different, having different worldviews and the importance of appreciating this. Many felt that studying Religion and Worldviews brought a genuine, real and authentic understanding of the lived experience of being a religious or non-religious believer. For many blog writers, Religion and Worldviews is about the nature of humanity; understanding who and what we are as human beings with all the complexity and divergence that this brings.
An education in Religion and Worldviews increases our knowledge, providing global and historical perspectives.
The importance of knowing about and understanding religious and non-religious worldviews came through very strongly in many of the blogs. Young people spoke about the importance of understanding historical contexts to comprehend the way things are today. They highlighted the interweaving of history with religion. Many felt that knowledge acquisition led to respect and to challenging some of the media stereotypes of some worldviews.
An education in Religion and Worldviews supports development of positive values.
Bloggers talked about the many values they felt an education in Religion and Worldviews promoted. These included peace, respect and empathy. A number talked about the way in which this was modelled in their schools by safe spaces being created to talk about controversial issues.
An education in Religion and Worldviews helps you with your future career.
From the youngest to the oldest, bloggers highlighted the value of Religion and Worldviews in terms of future career paths; professions highlighted included law, international development work, counselling, mental health services, diplomatic roles and journalism. Many more spoke about the importance of the subject for simple daily interactions with people they meet.
An education in Religion and Worldviews offers something more…..
For many of our bloggers though the subject offers something more…. It sparks the imagination and curiosity, it empowers and opens doors of communication, it unlocks a tapestry of ideas and enables young people to develop their own patchwork of views. It gives each one of them confidence to talk about religious and non-religious worldviews in the public sphere.
For our bloggers, an education in Religion and Worldviews is considered vital so they are prepared for the real, complex society in which we all live. They want to be able to navigate this world and begin to make sense of it. They want to have knowledge, understanding and skills, but also values and attitudes which will enable them to be confident, free- thinking participants in this ever-changing global landscape.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OUR WINNERS!!
Key Stage 1
Winners
Areilla, Newbold and Tredington Primary School
Abhijot, Clifton Primary School
Harnoor, Clifton Primary School
Highly Commended
Namanpreet, Clifton Primary School
Ishana, St Andrews (Barnsbury) Church of England Primary School
Key Stage 2
Winners
Soha, Old Trafford Community Academy
Catherine, Lythe Church of England Primary School
Nancy, Newbold and Tredington Primary School
Emily, St Andrews (Barnsbury) Church of England Primary School
Highly Commended:
Sohani, Clifton Primary School
Farzad and Idris, Old Trafford Community Academy
Avineet, Clifton Primary School
Hunter, Pickhurst Junior Academy
Key Stage 3
Winners
Matthew, Thomas Gainsborough School
Abby, Saint Francis Xavier School
Arwen, St James’ Senior Girls School
Maxwell, The Bishops’ Blue Coat Church of England School
Cara, King’s Rochester Preparatory School
Highly Commended
Skye, Prenton High School for Girls
Maisie, The Morley Academy
Brooke, Prenton High School for Girls
Niamh, The Bishops’ Blue Coat Church of England High School
Vanessa, Goldington Academy
Ella, Lincoln Christ’s Hospital School
Olivia, St Mary’s Catholic School
Key Stage 4
Winners
Scarlett, Fulston Manor School
Caitlin, Goldington Academy
Lucy, Cox Green School
Maisy, Hagley Catholic High School
Highly Commended
Meadow, Saltash Community School
Jordan, Saint Francis Xavier School
Lily, Albany Academy
Pennie, St Hild’s Church of England School
Zama, Bradford Academy
Key Stage 5
Winners
Ashton, Old Hulme Grammar School
Ella, Highworth Grammar School
Jessica, Highworth Grammar School
Anna, Hagley Catholic High School
Megha, Langley Grammar School
Highly Commended
Reva, Langley Grammar School
Philippa, Old Hulme Grammar School
Kathryn Wright, on behalf of the Judging Team 2021