Local Groups for RE

I don’t blog. Well, apart from now!

This is my first.

I’ve never really felt drawn towards blogging. There is something quite raw about putting yourself and your thoughts ‘out there’ in writing, rather than putting them across in conversational forums.

I can be quite an opinionated person, a passionate person and I don’t always internalise ‘criticism’ in a constructive way- it can feel personal and exposing. By putting myself ‘out there’ in this way, I am attempting  to develop this area as I recognise that critical feedback can be positive and this is what I need to grow- feel the fear and do it anyway! So, here goes…

I felt compelled to begin ‘blogging’ as I have been so inspired by the CPD and local group networks that I have engaged with over the past week. After being invited to deliver a workshop at the Learn Teach Lead RE conference in Bristol last Friday, I was asked to speak about the importance of local RE groups and networks. When I sat down to think about this, I realised that I didn’t quite know where to begin- not because I didn’t have anything to say but because I had so many positive, invaluable experiences to draw on.

Teaching and leading RE in Primary schools can feel lonely or supported- depending on your setting and circumstances. If you have the latter experience then teaching RE can be an exciting subject to be a part of, one which is full of passion, drive and opportunities. However, if you have an experience that is contrary to this then the outlook can seem very bleak. This is not a revelation!

There have been many occasions when I have spoken to teachers and the landscape for RE has seemed far from rosy- no support, minimum (if any) CPD, small budgets (if you’re lucky), not a priority etc. etc. It can be difficult to feel motivated and, in turn, difficult to provide an engaging RE provision for pupils- one that is both stimulating and challenging.

One of the amazing things that I have found in terms of support are local groups for RE. They can offer support and CPD to teachers of RE- both Primary and Secondary and can provide vital support in which teaching communities, networks and friendships can develop. They provide a safe space in which professionals can come together to share good examples of practice and to discuss issues that they are facing within their profession.

Within the local group that I lead I have observed, over time, just how much different members of the group have developed both professionally and personally.  When the local group first began there was very much a culture of teachers coming to the group and expecting to be given the resources and answers that they could take away in order to be able to deliver ‘outstanding’ RE within their schools straight away- something that would be the ‘fix’ for all issues. However, as time has moved on and we- as a group- have progressed, there has been a distinct change in this culture. Members are now inspired to share examples of their own practice and practice within their schools, they are passionate to collaborate and create solutions and to draw upon each other as a network of support- we work in collaboration- powerful collaboration!

However I would say this- I lead a local group.

As I reflected on this, I decided to ask some of the members of the group exactly why they attended- what was their reason for coming to the local group, in their own time, to meet with other teachers of RE? Here are some of their responses:

‘…I have found the RE Hub great for networking, resource sharing and keeping up to date with things.  I work in a small special school and am the only RE teacher so it can be quite isolating without this support group.’

‘I value the opportunity to learn from other teachers and professionals in my subject area, to bounce ideas off each other, to feel connected to others teaching the same subject and exam spec, to broaden and deepen my subject knowledge as an NQT by listening to those with more experience and understanding of relevant issues than myself, to gain confidence in practising my chosen profession, to have fun (!), to meet others and network, to increase my motivation by hearing about new techniques or ideas, the free coffee and biscuits (just kidding) and mostly to develop professionally and become a better informed, better equipped, and more knowledgeable teacher of RE.’ -the part about the biscuits is true, we do have exceptional biscuits (!)

‘I come to hub meetings to meet with others who want to teach quality RE. It can be a lonely place as the RE co-ordinator. Speakers at Hub sessions are often ‘top people’ from the RE world, someone our schools would never pay for for just as us! We can get fresh ideas and understand new initiatives.’

These responses spoke volumes to me and provided evidence for what I already knew.

Local groups for RE are a vital resource for teachers and all who are involved within the teaching of this subject. They offer a forum of support in which issues can be discussed, progress can be made and good practice can be shared within a community of teachers who are all working to provide high quality RE for pupils. There are many fantastic examples of teaching that is happening within schools and it is crucial that teachers have the opportunity to share this and to access ongoing CPD.

So what is the point of this blog?

Find out about your local group if you are not already a member of one. If you are a member, spread the news of your local group. Share in the opportunities that local groups provide and ensure that you engage within a supportive network that offers ongoing CPD.

RE is an exciting, inspirational subject- be inspired!