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The RE Podcast

The RE Podcast

Written by: Louisa Jane Smith
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The RE podcast for students and teachers.© 2026 The RE Podcast Spirituality
Episodes
  • S18 E3: The One About Questionning
    May 5 2026

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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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    Find out more;
    Twitter: @TheREPodcast1
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    Webiste: www.therepodcast.co.uk

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    52 mins
  • S18 E2: The One About The Quranist
    Apr 27 2026

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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.

    Support the show

    Find out more;
    Twitter: @TheREPodcast1
    Insta: @TheREPodcast
    Webiste: www.therepodcast.co.uk

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    46 mins
  • S18 E1: The One About A Brilliant New RE Book
    Apr 17 2026

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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?

    Support the show

    Find out more;
    Twitter: @TheREPodcast1
    Insta: @TheREPodcast
    Webiste: www.therepodcast.co.uk

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    1 hr
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