RE Team Handbook

The following items could appear in an RE handbook. They are not compulsory, and many of the items listed will be covered by whole school policies and practices, but the subject leader should be clear about the contribution made by RE. Don't forget the last point here: the subject development plan - this is an important part of your armoury!

1. The School:
   • population;
   • special considerations;
   • ethos/mission statement.
2. The Law and Rationale for RE. (Agreed syllabus, withdrawal etc.)
3. Relevant sections of the Agreed Syllabus for RE being covered and the time allocated for the subject in each year.
4. Aims, objectives and methods in RE: a general statement.
5. Outline programmes of study making reference to concepts, skills and attitudes in RE.
6. Detailed SoW including ideas for differentiation and progression, plus arrangements for setting work for absent colleagues.
7. Policies for marking, assessment, recording and reporting.
8. Examination results and reports.
9. Team policy on NQTs & Student Teachers.
10. Resources:
    • books/videos/library/artefacts/websites/CD-ROMs;
    • speakers and other agencies;
    • arrangements and responsibilities for administrative tasks.
11. Liaison:
    • parents;
    • cross-curricular (eg links with PSHE/ Humanities/ Citizenship);
    • cross-phase;
    • community;
    • work/industry.
12. Procedures for Visits/Trips.
13. Capitation and Policy for Charging:
    • sale of books;
    • lost books.
14. Any special remarks on whole school policies, e.g., Monitoring and Evaluation, Homework/ Independent Study, Equal Opportunities, Special Educational Needs, Gifted pupils, Behaviour, Discipline and Rewards, Health and Safety, Spelling and Literacy, Display, Acts of Worship (e.g. carol service).
15. Advertising Material
    • Notes for parents
    • GCSE/ 'A' level/ Value of RE for Careers / HE / FE.
16. Minutes of Team / Department Meetings or staff meetings which feature RE.
17. Previous OFSTED reports.
18. Team Development Plan, including INSET needs and plans (with clear, costed objectives and attainable targets).