The Religious Education course at Bristol aims to develop in students the attitudes, skills and understanding necessary to teach high quality RE in secondary schools.
Students will be introduced to all the key elements of RE, including the statutory framework, the requirements of local agreed syllabuses and the practicalities of the classroom role.
The basic premise of the course is that Religious Education is an essential part of an entitlement curriculum, enabling pupils to know about, interpret and understand religion and ethics in the context of a pluralist and multi-faith society.
Course content includes a consideration of the nature of religion, and the educational justification for the teaching of RE in schools, as well as giving specific guidance about teaching skills.
Students will be asked to examine their own presuppositions, and give due consideration to the views of others. In order to teach Religious Education students will need to develop their own knowledge and understanding of the world religions represented in Great Britain.
There will be opportunities for students to enhance their own learning, whilst at the same time being centrally focused on the learning of those in secondary schools.
Students will be introduced to a range of teaching and learning styles, and will also become familiar with a wide range of teaching resources.
Visits to educational centres and to religious communities will form part of the course. Students will also have opportunities throughout the course to work alongside and learn from experienced teachers.
By the end of the course our hope is that students will leave well-prepared for the challenges of the classroom, with a real enthusiasm for their subject and with a sensitive understanding of the needs of all pupils.
Mary has taught in comprehensive schools in Berkshire and in Somerset was formerly Head of Department in a local comprehensive school. She has been involved in Initial Teacher Training for approximately twenty years, always as a part-time commitment. She has extensive contacts with local RE specialists, and with other ITT providers of RE courses.
Mary serves on the Bath and North East Somerset Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education as a teacher representative, and, currently as Chair.
