Elizabeth Newton
Doctoral Researcher & Lecturer (HPL)
Institute of Education
Contact Details
email: e.newton@worc.ac.uk
tel:
Qualifications
PGCert Research Methods (Distinction), University of Worcester
PGCE Religious Studies, Jesus College, University of Cambridge
BA Hons. Theology, Christ Church, University of Oxford
Teaching & Research
Teaching & Assessment
Undergraduate
BA Education Studies
EDST 3001/2 Independent Study Supervisor (2015/16)
EDST 2122 Religion and Education: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives and Issues (2015/16 & 2013/14)
EDST 1105 Education in Context, The Independent Sector (2014/15 & 2013/14)
EDST 2022 Morality and Religion in Contemporary Education (2011/12)
Postgraduate Assessment and Tutorial Support
PgCert Religious Education, Religion and Values Education Pathway
MEDD 4071 Learning and Teaching in Religious Education (2010/11)
MEDD 4001 Research Methods (2010/11)
Course Writing & Development
BA Religion, Philosophy & Values in Education (2015/16)
PGCE Religious Education (2014/15)
Research Interests
The history of religious education
RE teachers' life histories
Oral history
Historical methods in educational research
Professional Bodies
Association of University Lecturers in Religion and Education
History of Education Society, UK
Publications
Research dissemination and regional engagement
Newton, E.M.A. (Sunday 20th May, 2012) A Teachers’ History of Religious Education. Interview with Dr. Carl Chinn on BBC Radio WM Local History Programme.
University of Worcester (Spring 2012) Research Student Profile, Elizabeth Newton. Inspire: Celebrating Excellence in Research, p.31.
Conference papers
Newton, E. M. A. (2015) ‘Who is an RE Professional?’ Being an RE teacher in 1970s Birmingham: an oral history. Presented at the Teacher Professionalization and the Professional Quality of Religious Education International Symposium, University of Exeter.
Newton, E. M. A. (2014) History and Theory. Presented at the History of Religions and Education Seminar Series, University of Worcester.
Newton, E. M. A. (2011) Religious Education in Historical Perspective. Presented at the European Educational Research Association (EERA) Histories of Education Summer
School Conference, University of Birmingham.
Newton, E. M. A. (2011) Testimony and Religious Education Teachers: a historical and philosophical perspective. Presented at the University of Worcester Research Student Conference, University of Worcester.
Newton, E.M.A. (2010) Privileging the voice of the teacher in the historiography of religious education. Presented at the History of Education Society Annual Conference,
London.
Projects
A Teachers’ History of Religious Education in Birmingham, the long 1970s
Volunteers Wanted
Did you teach religious education (RE) in Birmingham secondary schools during the 1960s or the1970s? Would you be willing to share your memories of what it was like to be an RE teacher during those years?
If so, please get in touch with Elizabeth Newton e.newton@worc.ac.uk who will explain more about the project and arrange to meet with you to talk about your experiences.
Address: Elizabeth Newton, Graduate Research School, University of Worcester, Henwick Grove, Worcester WR2 6AJ
The project
RE in Birmingham has a fascinating history. In 1975, Birmingham City Council Education Committee released its new and somewhat controversial Agreed Syllabus of
Religious Instruction. This was the first syllabus of its type in the UK, the only syllabus at the time that could be said to be multi-faith for all pupils throughout their schooling. The syllabus was produced because it had become clear to those working in education that the religious landscape of Birmingham had changed. Immigration of the 50s and
60s had brought world religions to the City in a conspicuous way, whilst Christianity and churchgoing was in decline, with many people turning to secular ideologies to
underpin their lives. In this context, Christian instruction was no longer thought to be an appropriate aim for an educational subject and therefore a new direction for RE was
required. This new direction was a huge change for a subject that, historically, had been exclusively Christian. It was also a huge change for the teachers who had to put this new
curriculum into practice in the City’s classrooms. Until now the stories of these teachers have never been heard and this project aims to correct this omission. Through
listening to the voices of former teachers of RE, a collaborative oral history of RE will be produced to form A Teachers’ History of Religious Education in Birmingham, the long
1970s.
History of Religious Education Network (HOREN)
The Teachers’ History of RE in Birmingham project sits within the wider research of the History of Religious Education Network. Click on the links below to see the work and
publications of the lead researchers within this network:
Dr Stephen Parker
Dr Rob Freathy
Professional Activities
Peer Reviewer, History of Education Researcher
Subject Adviser, PGCE Religious Education, University of Worcester
Postgraduate Student Admissions Interviewer, PGCE Religious Education, University of Worcester
Conference Convenor, Inaugural Institute of Education Postgraduate Research Conference, Learners and Leaders in Education (2014)
Research Knowledge Transfer Sub-Committee Member, Research Student Representative, Institute of Education, University of Worcester (2010 - 2014)
© University of Worcester Henwick Grove, WR2 6AJ Tel: 01905 855000 - Last reviewed: Friday, 23 September 2016
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