What will our Religious Education programme offer you?
Our inspiring, face to face training programme consists of three complementary strands of General Professional Studies, Subject Knowledge and School Placement. These elements interlink to give you the knowledge and skills you will need to be a highly effective Religious Education teacher.
You will learn all about educational theory in your General Professional Studies sessions at our training bases in Essex, Suffolk or Norfolk, depending on where you live. You will engage with the latest research about how pupils learn, how to help them overcome disadvantage, and how to motivate and engage them. You will also cover practical aspects of teaching such as choosing exciting resources, managing your workload and developing your use of voice and classroom presence. You will learn too about your legal responsibilities in relation to safeguarding young people.
What skills and knowledge will you learn?
During the course, you will have 10 days of subject knowledge training led by one of our specialist Religious Education tutors. Working with these expert teachers you’ll find out about the RE curriculum, how to phrase questions to build understanding, how to manage discussion on challenging and sensitive issues and how to choose resources to give students insights into diverse beliefs and opinions, supporting their understanding of spiritual, moral, social and cultural questions, challenging stereotypes, and promoting cohesion.
How is the Religious Education programme structured and who is involved?
A key element of your training will be your school placements. You will spend 80% of your time working in school, gaining hands-on experience and putting your knowledge of theory into practice with the support of your specialist mentor. You will also have the support of your NESTT Tutor who will be in regular contact throughout your placement and who will also visit you in school. You will start by watching expert teachers and gradually build up your skills. Once you start teaching, your lessons will be observed and you will have opportunities to discuss them with colleagues. Your weekly meeting with your mentor will be an opportunity to highlight your achievements and plan next steps. You will soon feel part of the team.
How will you be assessed?
You will read widely, submit written tasks and prepare oral presentations on aspects of education that interest you. Assessment is continuous throughout the course. We make sure that tasks and assignments are evenly spread and our weekly newsletter reminds you of deadlines. We operate an ‘open door’ policy so you can discuss any issues or worries.
You also have the opportunity to study for a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) supported by lectures at our training base. If you choose this option, you will submit two assignments, one on Special Educational Needs and one research-based assignment developed from your own classroom practice. You will also deliver an oral presentation on an area of current educational research. The PGCE is validated by the University of Suffolk and is worth 60 Master’s credits.
Ready to apply? Click here to find out how, go straight to the government application portal, and add NESTT as your provider. Or, join one of our information events or reach out by email here.
