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Calling all students of AQA GCSE RE!

So Paper 2 is on Wednesday, what are the last minute things you can do tonight to make sure you are ready for your last RE exam?

First of all, don't worry, you've got this.

But let's quickly go through what to expect in the paper, how to answer each type of question, some key concepts, some power quotes and some advice for timing!

GOOD LUCK from the RE Podcast!

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Calling all students of AQA GCSE RE!

So Paper 1 is tomorrow, what are the last minute things you can do tonight to make sure you are ready for your first RE exam?

First of all, don't worry, you've got this.

But let's quickly go through what to expect in the paper tomorrow, how to answer each type of question, some key concepts, some power quotes and some advice for timing!

GOOD LUCK from the RE Podcast!

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Questionning is at the very heart of who we are as humans as well as the RE classroom. Following on from my chat with Joe Kinnaird about his new book; Secondary Religious Education in Action, we delve deep into his chapter on questionning. This follows a brilliant talk he gave on this topic at Strictly 2026.

We look at what makes a good question, how to develop a questionning culture in your classroom, how to deal with 'I don't know' responses and disciplinary questionning and much much more.

Joe suggested three places to find our more about questioning;

https://walkthrus.co.uk/

https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/tips-for-teachers-400-ideas-to-improve-your-teaching-book-craig-barton-9781915261472?sku=GOR012775498&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17428061960&gbraid=0AAAAADZzAIB_X2fZbklVC41wEpoZ8vE4H&gclid=CjwKCAjw5NvPBhAoEiwA_2egfrEtqlutMmcKJqYgJzHERrOlvxHzBA96-aH-57uJj2Xdi-LNMvk1zxoCdj8QAvD_BwE

https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/powerful-questioning-book-michael-chiles-9781785835964?sku=GOR013137016&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19554086773&gbraid=0AAAAADZzAICeyYOLa4w-8GHZNK9_lm8QW&gclid=CjwKCAjw5NvPBhAoEiwA_2egfuwijmAHVumThh9NOjyxi1_JtcM_4HfsDQLCSssHO3AA1725DWl48RoC9WsQAvD_BwE

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In this episode I talk to Farouk Peru about Quranism. I must admit, I didn't know what a Quranist was until the lovely Ruth Marx connected me with Farouk so it is always lovely to learn something new!

We discuss what a Quranist is, and the use of

A - Application of the Qura'n

R - Refutation of criticisms

C - Conversation

We look at how being a Quranist influences practices like prayer and festivals and their take in orthodoxy and orthopraxy (correctness of beliefs and practices), and what methods they use to determine scholarship, as well as the role of Muhammad and the Hadith.

We look at Islamic law and how Qur'anists repond to some laws that have been interpretted harshly by some.

We are always interested in diversity so we look at variations within quranism, even though it is quite a modern trend in Islam.

Finally we look to the future - where is Quranism going?

I hope you learn as much as I did from Farouk.

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Bringing together the latest research and practical strategies for teachers of secondary religious education, Joe Kinnaird draws on his years of teaching experience and passion for high-quality RE to explore a range of ways to deepen pupils’ understanding of religion and worldviews.

This book presents a vision of what it means for students to truly engage with religious education: grappling with philosophical and ethical questions, engaging critically with beliefs and worldviews, and expressing informed responses with accuracy and purpose. Joe makes the case for the importance and value of RE, alongside tips for effective practice in all areas of a RE teacher’s role, such as approaches to curriculum design, teaching disciplinary knowledge and handling controversial topics.

Whether you are beginning your journey into teacher training, an experienced teacher seeking new inspiration, a non-specialist, a subject leader, or a senior leader line-managing RE departments, this book is an essential guide for everyone involved with religious education in the classroom.

For an EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT FOR LISTENERS TO THE RE PODCAST use the discount code SRE10

Release date: 17th April 2026

Cost: £16 (£14.40 with discount)

https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/joe-kinnaird-2/secondary-religious-education-in-action/9781915261915/

What is in the book?

What is the subject about?
What are the challenges, debates and perspectives in RE?
What does the research tell us about teaching RE?
What are the different types of knowledge and concepts in RE?
How can you structure an RE curriculum?
How can I explain and model in RE?
What does questioning look like in RE?
What does writing look like in RE?
What does assessment look like in RE?
What does feedback look like in RE?
How can I use texts and scholarship in RE?
How can I teach controversial topics and sensitive topics in RE?
How can I promote RE beyond the classroom?

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One of the highlights of my year is watching BBC Pilgrimage. This is a reality show with heart and depth and authenticity and vulnerability. It’s not seeking drama or action, it’s seeking the best of humanity. The basic premise is that seven celebrities go on a pilgrimage. This year BBC pilgrimage is back for is 8th series and this time it’s the Celtic Christian road to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. The 390km trail through NE England visiting Durham cathedral and discovering all about Cuthbert - the patron saint of Northumbria. Back in March, I had the pleasure of catching up with the pilgrims for a chat;

• Shia Muslim and stand up comedian Hassan Al-Habib
• Christian Ashley Banjo from the dance troupe Diversity
• Previous ultra Orthodox and now a non practicing Jew, Ashley Blaker, comedy writer and producer of little Britain
• Atheist and TV personality, Tasha Ghouri from Love Island and Strictly Come Dancing.
• 'Al la cartes' Catholic and actor Patsy Kensit
• Spiritual presenter Jayne Middlemiss
• Spiritual actor, Hermione Norris from Cold Feet and Spooks

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002trqw

Episode 1: BBC2 on Easter Sunday 5th April at 9pm

Episode 2: BB2 on Easter Monday 6th April 9pm

Episode 3: BBC2 on Tuesday 7th April BBC2 at 9pm

It will then be repeated throughout April and be available in iplayer.

Join us for a live tweet along as the programme is first aired.

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We all love Harry Clark, winner of Traitors season 2 and the deep, authentic. spiritual, curious pilgrim on BBC Pilgrimage. And now he embarks on a new journey - to Rome, to meet the Pope. On 2nd April at 10.40pm on BBC2, join me to watch Harry Clark Goes To Rome;

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002thdy

To find out more I catch up with Harry and have a delightful chat about his faith and what it means to be a catholic. And in true Harry style, he turns the tables on me and asks me about my belief in God. My answer is one I don't think I have ever shared publically.

What our chat on YouTube

https://youtu.be/Oxp5Iw4gBAQ

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A year ago, on 30th March 2025, Dawn was tragically taken from us in a car accident. It was a huge loss to us, her friends, to the RE community as a whole, but mostly to her partner Roy. I catch up with Roy to find out what life as been like over the last year. Amoung the poignant moments of grief we also discuss cats, Marakesh decor, bell ringing, the Green party, life after death, teacher pensions and kindness. Roys advice to us all is to be able to look ourselves in the mirror at the end of the day.

Read Roy's article in RE Today

https://www.retoday.org.uk/school-support/publications/samples/retoday-magazine-vol-43-no-2-now-available/

What makes this moment even more poignant is we are about to find out whether a consensus has been reached for a National Curriculum for RE - something Dawn campaigned tirelessly for. The joy at this landmark moment is tinged with sadness that Dawn cannot see her dream realised, but her fingerprints will be on each page if it is agreed by the DfE.

A NEW DAWN FOR RE (c) Sarah Dennis

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