Christian Ethics of Farmed Animal Welfare - Impact in Schools and Theological Education

This project extends the impact of the AHRC-funded Christian Ethics of Farmed Animal Welfare (CEFAW) research project in two new educational contexts: schools and Theological Education Institutions (TEIs). This follow-on impact project works with new partners in schools and TEIs to provide opportunities for significant additional impacts of CEFAW research that were not foreseen in the original funding bid.

The CEFAW project (2018-2021) is generating a new body of research material of broad interest in educational contexts. Responses to the 60-page project report 'The Christian Ethics of Farmed Animal Welfare: A Policy Framework for Churches and Christian Organizations' suggested new possibilities for impact for project research in educational contexts. Consultation with potential partners supporting RE teaching in schools and theological education confirmed demand.

This follow-on project will enhance the impact of the CEFAW project by working with a cohort of 10 RE teachers, 8 pilot schools, and 3 TEI staff to engage with CEFAW research to develop and disseminate teaching resources for use in schools and TEIs, and develop and disseminate case studies of changes in school practice. Through four three-month project phases, project participants will learn about the CEFAW research, consider its relevance for their educational practice, develop teaching resources and pilot school action plans, and work with project partners to disseminate resources produced.

The design of the project has been shaped in consultation with a wide range of project partners who are ideally placed to ensure that the project is successful in its aim of realizing impact for CEFAW research in schools and TEIs. AQA is an educational charity responsible for over half of all UK GCSEs and A-levels taken each year. Chester Diocesan Board of Education promotes education in the Church of England Diocese of Chester with a particular focus on church schools, numbering more than one hundred at primary and secondary level. The Common Awards partnership works with 19 TEIs providing education for 2500 students training for ministry in the Church of England and other denominations including the Baptist, Methodist, and United Reformed churches. Culham St Gabriel's Trust is a charitable foundation supporting the professional development of RE teachers and other professionals. The Farmington Institute is a charity aiming to support head teachers in working on values and standards and RE teachers by offering scholarships, publishing discussion papers, and arranging conferences. National Association of Teachers of Religious Education (NATRE) is the subject teacher association for RE professionals in the UK and supports their professional development through the RE Today magazine, NATRE website, and training courses. Saint Peter's Saltley Trust is an educational charity based in the West Midlands, providing funding and support for creative projects in religious and theological education. Salford Diocese Department of Education supports the work of 208 primary and secondary schools in the Diocese.

This follow-on impact project is innovative because a Christian perspective on farmed animal welfare has not previously been a focus in the teaching and wider practice of schools or TEIs. It is creative in engaging teachers, school leaders, and TEI academic staff with CEFAW research findings and enabling them to generate teaching resources and programmes that work in their contexts and are likely to be useful to their peers elsewhere. It will increase the impact of CEFAW research in educational contexts because the project Research Team includes expertise in both areas of education and will be working with a broad range of partners ideally placed to advise and assist in ensuring the resources produced are aligned with relevant curricula and appropriate for their contexts.