Social Sciences

Enhancing the training of RE teachers through a multi-faith visit weekend

1 September 2011 - 31 August 2014

PI/s in Exeter: Dr Karen Walshe

Funding awarded: £ 6,000

Sponsor(s): St. Luke's College Foundation

About the research

Aims of the project

The overall aim of the project is to improve the quality of provision of world religions teaching in schools by enhancing the quality of provision for those training to teach religious education in schools.
 
Objectives

  • to provide trainees with opportunities to learn about world religions through the eyes of members of faith communities
  • to explore the impact that faith community visits have on trainees’ understanding of the beliefs and practices of those religious traditions
  • to examine the impact of those visits on trainees’ understanding of how to teach those religious traditions in the classroom


Intended beneficiaries

  • Trainee teachers at the Graduate School of Education (GSE), University of Exeter
  • RE departments in secondary schools who are currently in partnership with GSE in Devon, Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset
  • Pupils in secondary schools who are currently in partnership with GSE in Devon, Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset
  • RE departments and pupils in those schools where trainee teachers will secure employment following successful completion of the PGCE.


The aims of this project directly reflect the concerns of the Foundation in its commitment to:
 

  • promote religious education
  • enhance the quality of provision for students undergoing training as teachers, particularly those who are members of the University of Exeter
  • support the continuing education and enhancement of the capabilities of those responsible for the delivery and quality of religious education in schools