This funding aims to extend conversations on interdisciplinary religious education (RE) generated by Big Questions in Classrooms (BQiC), a Templeton World Charity Foundation (TWCF) initiative, by supporting two online conferences in England organized by Culham St. Gabriel’s Trust.

Since most BQiC projects are now complete, it's essential to ensure that the concepts, research, and resources developed remain part of ongoing discussions in the education sector. This can be achieved by partnering with organizations that are long term actors in education improvement in England, such as professional societies and education-focused funders.

Culham St Gabriel' s Trust supports teacher recruitment programs, RE research grants, scholarships for RE teachers, and runs programs including RE:Online, a website that hosts subject knowledge for teachers, resources, up to date research, curriculum guidance, and advice for RE subject leaders in all phases of education.  Their RExChange conferences aim to exchange knowledge and ideas between RE university-based researchers and schools-based practitioners. In partnering with other major RE organizations (National Association for Teachers in RE, Association of University Lecturers in RE; Association for Religious Education Inspectors, Advisors, and Consultants; Theology and Religious Studies UK; National Association of Standing Advisory Councils on Religious Education; the RE Council of England and Wales) Culham St Gabriel’s Trust has provided an effective platform where school teachers and university researchers in both education and in theology and religious studies to exchange knowledge and expertise.

RExChange is now a regular feature in RE educators' calendars, and there's expectation for it to continue. In keeping with BQiC's strategic aims, Culham St. Gabriel's will ensure that each conference includes at least one event focused on "how knowledge works" or interdisciplinary RE. Conferences in 2024 and 2026 will feature BQiC projects, such as (but not limited to) Religion and Worldviews in the Classroom. Syllabus Building: Principles, Tools, and Exemplification and Embedding culture change and human flourishing in joint Science/RE curriculum design principles in English Multi-Academy Trusts.