Introduction: Creative RE, the ‘phunometre scale’

The introductory chapter outlines the aims of the second edition – a diverse and comprehensive guide to creative and effective Religion and Worldviews Education (RE) underpinned by current and established research for a wide ranging national and international audience. The book, and this chapter in particular, aims to answer the following four questions. What is creative teaching and learning? (including fun and the ‘phunometre scale’). Why is it important to teach creatively and teach for creativity? What is religious education and why is it important for children to engage in RE? How can a teacher present non-biased RE creatively as a discrete subject and integrate it with other curriculum areas? Teaching and learning in state and faith schools is not value free and RE provides an opportunity to evaluate, nurture, reinforce or challenge values and beliefs. Integrating Religion and Worldviews Education with other subject areas is explored through a topic on food.