copy of the article (Express 27th Nov 2011) which reported on starvation in Britain - over 100,000 people going hungry at the moment and the way that charities are giving food parcels to many of them. Also info about The Trussel Trust - one such charity, with contact details for London. Updated with four more links including an article from the Independent 16th Oct 2013. The use of Food Banks has tripled this year. Massive suffering is being caused by the gov'ts changes to the benefit system and increasing numbers trapped with low pay and cost of living rising.

The most popular song from the CD All Shall Be Well by Jill Blackadder - my sister who is a Primary teacher in the Shetland Islands. for the CD and sheet music contact 'Jill Slee Blackadder' <Jill.blackadder@btinternet.com>, You can find a 'taster&' of this song and others on another resource on prev. page - http://www.tes.co.uk/ResourceUpload.aspx?storycode=6058026&navcode=98 This is a truly inspiring and very soulful song for all ages. It celebrates our world where the beauty is in the diversity. Great as a stimulus for art-work, too.

This simple overview of Sikhism can be used to revise or consolidate a unit of KS3 work or to refresh and introduce a unit for further study in KS4. Including both a Word Search and Cross-Word Puzzle to reinforce Key Words, this resource will link with further ones which explore each area in more detail. Currently Under Construction.....

It's great to see the Olympics bring so many people together, uniting and inspiring so many in Britain. To be a great sports hero requires many &'divine&'; qualities such as patience, determination, endurance, courage and enthusiasm - and brings so much joy. On TV tonight, discussion on the 'exclusive&' nature of sports - equestrian / sailing. But everyone is getting so much joy in watching. The discussion itself should lead to improvements which bring more people into the different sports. I&';d love to see more games (such as Indian Kabadi) from around the world into the Olympics, too.

This simple overview of Islam can be used to revise or consolidate a unit of KS3 work or to refresh and introduce a unit for further study in KS4. Including both a Word Search and Cross-Word Puzzle to reinforce Key Words, this resource will link with further ones which explore each area in more detail. Currently Under Construction.....

some ideas of mine plus others from the forum. I will add to these. In haste

In response to a question about the use of SMART targets in RE, some ideas plus, in relation to one - to reduce the use of unqualified generalisations - some info about Pope Francis' survey of Catholics worldwide which highlights the diversity of belief even within one denomination of Christianity.

starting a new 'chapter&' with May - hope you find this month interesting even though a bit disjointed. More disjointing came when Mum fell in May.- a very tough month emotionally in work and in the family. But that makes it interesting spiritually too. Slowly trying to get back up to date. August now. still a week behind. Much time going into a resource for Peace and Conflict, looking at Gaza - my thoughts and prayers are with all affected by war in this troubled time. Aug 5th part 1 good for RE - reflecting on Peace Concert pilgrimage in 1985

Crazy weekend. The car broke down at my mother's house on Sunday night. It took me all night to get back to London and to work. Then the bike-lock had seized up and wouldn&'t release my bike. Years ago, before he was 8 I guess, my son coined a phrase for times like this 'Cheerfulness Challenge, mum!' (You win the challenge if you stay cheerful.) The kitties had to stay at Mum&';s until after work yesterday when I went back by train and collected them. Two nights with almost no sleep! Have a great week, Love and Peace - DurgaMata

two interesting articles about Islam in society and the way that the Western press like to stereotype Muslims. Some great images to encourage discussion and counter prejudice if you can link to internet - I couldn't get them to download - and an article which explores the likely causes of the attack against the embassy in Benghazi - which it would seem was exploiting the film, using it as an excuse - rather than caused by it.

With Mr Gove admitting that he has messed up RE I was inspired tonight to set out why I think RE is important and how it could be improved. There is much too much here for a real letter to an MP but you may find material to adapt and send to Mr Gove or your own MP. One way or another we need to strike while the iron is hot if we can, to pressure Mr G to make some changes that will improve things. just added Stephen Lloyd's excellent article Do give your comments and suggestions here or as a personal message. Best wishes to everyone, DurgaMata

This is from the web - based on Getting Things Done by David Allen, this version designed by Douglas Johnston. It is great as a guide for planning in any project, subject or aspect of life. I think it would be useful as a guide for SMT, any HOD or regular teacher. I've added a link to the website where my son found this chart.

Excellent article on cuts to Health and Safety due to a desire to please the companies which fund political parties (saving firms money required for improving safety standards) with serious consequences for employees. Rates of death/injury at work will increase causing huge financial costs to the taxpayer and immeasurable suffering for many individuals and families. We need a campaign like we had for the forest sell-off to reverse this evil policy. The article raises important questions and is clear enough to use with KS3 upwards. Stimulate some great discussion/higher level thinking.

This is a resource for all my great colleagues - to explore practical strategies that we can use to make our lives stronger and more peaceful. The idea behind this is that if we can become spiritually stronger and more peaceful that will impact on our students, classes, colleagues and schools - to say nothing of its effect on our families and our own happiness. So I am asking you all to send me your own favourite 'weapons for peace' which we all can share and benefit from. As always please give feedback and a rating.

This section aims to share conversations about all sorts of important subjects. The first is in response to the email I sent about Religious Education and the English Bacc. - with a French Anarchist. It explores many interesting ideas and can be used to stimulate class discussion about what religion means and why we study Religious Education. If using with KS3 then some 'unpacking' may be needed, but the G + T fringe may enjoy it and some may respond by joining the campaign to support RE. A great example of how a potentially confrontational argument can end up as accord.

Taken from Avesha's website, all the info is here to check out what is on offer. These workshops and insets are given by someone who knows Hinduism from the inside and has trained as an educator. The prices are fair and if they are a problem there is flexibility here. I have also included some of the comments and responses to Avesha's work and some of the images from a slide show visit to ISKON's headquarters.

selected sections from Elaine Morgan's website, related to the Aquatic Ape Theory which she championed in her book The Descent of Woman. Many features of human beings suggest that we evolved for many millennia as a shore-dwelling species, and are strongly adapted to living in water. this is related to the Story of Adam and Eve. Woman was tempted by the snake (male organ) and offered her apple (fruitfulness) Man took it. (when approaching from the back became difficult he had to take the fruit by force - ie rape is the original sin...

peaceful music for reflection and meditation - a wide range but nothing African yet. I will add to this if you suggest your own favourite youtube music videos. Use these for your own meditation and de-stress exercises at the end of the day - as well as with your classes. You may like to use some for starters or plenary reflection. Great for Religious Education and Music classes.

My son phoned late last night to say that there are major articles by Rowan Williams and Jonathan Sacks in the New Statesman out today 9th. I've found the article by RW in full and a bit about the JS one. Uploaded here. Great to link RE with our world, our society and the events in our nation. Can you photocopy one big and put it up on a notice-board surrounded by pertinent questions? Good for a corridor where many pass by. Competition for the best captions and answers to the questions?

chanel 5 at 8 pm on Thursday 27th Jan - in response to Holocaust memorial day a 45 minute programme about the Kindertransport which rescued Jewish children from Czechoslovakia this is an article about Nicholas Winton and the events around the kindertransport