Developing practice: what we teach and why

The chapter aims to help the reader appreciate there are different RE curriculums- both in the UK and worldwide and that worldviews have been grouped– Eastern/Western/nontheistic. It explores the notion of diversity within as well as between religions – taking Global Christianity as an example readers are introduced to different branches/denominations such as the Armish, Baptist churches, Christadelphians, Church of England (Anglicans), Church of Scotland, Coptic Orthodox Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Exclusive Brethren, Methodist Church, Opus Dei, Pentecostalism, Quakers, Roman Catholic Church, Salvation Army, Seventh-Day Adventists, United Reformed Church and Jehovah's witnesses. Practical lesson ideas are presented throughout the chapter, using planning principles of ‘shared human experience, traditional belief systems and individual patterns of belief. The reader is introduced to the opportunities and pitfalls of planning thematically – using ‘rites of passage’ as an example. Using debates effectively and considering the opportunities and pitfalls of comparing worldviews is outlined including the notion of disagreeing effectively. The reader is invited to use a ‘Subject knowledge and confidence’ audit to gauge their own competencies and areas for development. The chapter highlights the importance of widening the scope of the RE curriculum.