QMU hosts learning festival for religious education teachers
This month, Religious, Moral and Philosophical Education Studies (RMPS) teachers from across Scotland will gather at Queen Margaret University as part of a festival of learning.
The event, which takes place on 15th May, is a national learning opportunity for professional teachers and members of the wider community involved in Religious Education in Scottish schools.
Run by The Scottish Teachers’ Association of Religious and Moral Education (STARME), the event aims to inspire and empower teachers to work at the highest levels of creativity to ensure learners are having the best possible experience of religious education in schools.
The event will include a wide programme of engaging presentations, workshops and exhibitions, as well as a keynote speech from MSP and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Jenny Gilruth, and Religious and Moral Education teacher from Stewarton Academy in Ayrshire, Gillian Dunsmuir.
Sir Paul Grice, Principal of Queen Margaret University, said: “When the world is so clearly struggling with division and inequality, there has never been a more important time to build understanding, promote tolerance, strengthen education and improve our knowledge of all faiths and communities across the globe.
"Queen Margaret University has a proud history of responding to the most pressing issues that face society, and I am pleased that our philosophy in developing teacher education, including our new PGDE Secondary (Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies), supports a fairer and more socially responsible society.
“I am delighted that QMU is hosting STARME’s Festival of Learning to celebrate the importance of religious education in Scottish education, and to challenge educators to ensure it is, meaningful, innovative and creative so that it continues to evolve as a central subject in the school curriculum which engages and inspires young, enquiring minds.
"We look forward to providing a supportive location to allow ideas to flourish which will support the development and enhancement of religious education as a crucial and central subject within Scottish schools.”
Stephen Scholes, Senior Lecturer in Education at Queen Margaret University, is coordinating the Festival of Learning. He concluded:
"We are looking forward to having a melting pot of talent from across Scotland’s teaching profession to challenge each other, share ideas and create new opportunities to enhance RE provision. This will allow us to shape young lives by improving education, understanding and tolerance, which can only have a positive impact on society. The festival aligns with Queen Margaret University research on religious education and the beginning of our one year postgraduate course, which had its first student intake in August 2023."
For more information about STARME’s Festival of Learning at Queen Margaret University, visit STARME’s website.
Notes to Editor
For further media information contact Lynne Russell, Communications Manager, E: lrussell@qmu.ac.uk, copy to Press Office E: pressoffice@qmu.ac.uk , M: 07711 011239.
