Teacher and student evaluations of a trial RE curriculum: implications for scale

ABSTRACT Teachers (n = 125) and students (n = 1478) evaluated a trial RE curriculum in Australia using an online survey. Results showed that teachers rated the curriculum significantly more highly than students. Type and size of school influenced teacher and student perceptions. Four conclusions were drawn: The trial RE curriculum was positively received by teachers and students and thereby warrants consideration for wider application at scale; Religious Education Development Principles as a basis for curriculum development were validated by students and teachers; student perceptions were lower than teachers’ perceptions suggesting potential for curriculum improvement; and resource allocation at scale should ideally be preferred for large secondary schools.