Whatever happened to Religious Education? By Penny Thompson An original and timely analysis of how and why the committed teaching of the Christian faith has been eroded since the 1960s, and of what can be done to improve the current state of affairs. ISBN-13: 9780718830397 Specifications: 234x156mm, 192pp, Paperback Price: £17.50 • US$37.50 Publication: October 2003 Order this Title Now

About this Book

In this book, Penny Thompson discusses the place of Christianity in Religious Education from 1963.

She explores the reasons why the committed teaching of the Christian faith has been slowly undermined, and aims to show that the current state of both theory and practice is incoherent and unsustainable. Her arguments explore the debates and historical developments in this sector, over the past forty years, and convincingly propose that the way forward to is to recover the teaching of Christianity in an open and self-critical way.

OFSTED reports that the level of unsatisfactory staffing in RE is now a matter of 'deep concern'. This book seeks to inspire and motivate those who might not be attracted to RE teaching as a profession, and details suggestions which may help to alter this current state of affairs.

The author draws on primary sources, her own experiences and interviews with prominent individuals in the profession.

Reviews and Comments

"I have no hesitation in recommending this well-researched, well written and provocative book."
Rupert Kaye, Chief executive of the Association of Christian Teachers

"... a thoughtful read - this book will encourage professional debate."
Priscilla Chadwick, Magazine of the Independent Schools Council

About the Author

Penny Thompson taught Religious Education (RE) in comprehensive schools in Sefton, Merseyside for 15 years and has also taught in the private sector. She has contributed to various courses at Liverpool Hope University. She sits on Knowsley and Liverpool SACREs. Recent publications include two articles in the British Journal of Religious Education (BJRE). She is co-author with Brenda Watson of The Effective Teacher of RE (2nd edition, 2007), and co-editor of Inspiring Faith in Schools, to be published in October 2007 by Ashgate. Her website may be found at:
http://www.angelfire.com/pe/pennyt/