This year’s North West Forum brings together secondary RE teachers from three dioceses across Lancashire and Cumbria. All teach in Church of England schools and represent a wide range of experience — from assistant headteachers and heads of department to ECTs and literacy coordinators.
We began with a face-to-face meeting at Liverpool John Moores University. The diversity of our school contexts was clear from the start. Our opening discussion explored how school environments shape RE — from the impact of deprivation on cultural capital to how admissions policies affect the choice of second religion at GCSE. We also discussed political challenges and the ongoing struggle to recruit and retain RE teachers.
In the afternoon, we focused on two “make a wish” discussions designed to give everyone ownership and a chance to share their RE passions. The first explored ideas for creating an “irresistible RE of the future.” Participants shared a variety of insights on content, pedagogy, and assessment. Several members, part of a joint Farmington Scholarship, plan to connect their future findings with these themes.
Our second discussion was more practical. With the Curriculum and Assessment White Paper expected soon, we debated what changes GCSE RE needs. In all our schools, RE is a core subject, so every student takes the exam. Experiences varied widely — from seasoned examiners to those teaching GCSE RE for the first time — but some concerns were shared. Many felt the syllabus is overloaded with content, leaving little time for creative learning. Others questioned whether current assessments disadvantage some pupils. We also agreed that oracy, a vital life skill, deserves a greater role in RE.
The day ended with lively conversation over afternoon tea at a local bakery. Laughter, good food, and insightful debate made it hard to believe we had only met three hours earlier. We look forward to our next online meeting in December.
