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A specialist Religious Education and Art Teacher - I retired a few years ago. Now I am an Entrepreneur. I have created a Programme called The Seven Steps to Happiness. It is all about Reducing Stress, Building Resilience and Increasing Happiness. Before Coronavirus came along I gave Workshops and Retreats from my home. Now I am moving my work online. I share resources on TES to support my wonderful Teacher-Colleagues. Most are free but I spend hours on these so I charge for some of them. Enjoy.

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A specialist Religious Education and Art Teacher - I retired a few years ago. Now I am an Entrepreneur. I have created a Programme called The Seven Steps to Happiness. It is all about Reducing Stress, Building Resilience and Increasing Happiness. Before Coronavirus came along I gave Workshops and Retreats from my home. Now I am moving my work online. I share resources on TES to support my wonderful Teacher-Colleagues. Most are free but I spend hours on these so I charge for some of them. Enjoy.
What is Religion? Part one Religion and Me
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What is Religion? Part one Religion and Me

(3)
The latest of my slide-shows which asks 'What is Religion? using beautiful images, inspiring quotations, thought provoking text and interactive activities. The slides are timed to progress and some animation is used but the activities progress with a mouse-click and can be timed to suit. This resource is great to stimulate thought about religion in its widest aspect or to set the scene for any new Scheme of Work. It takes viewers through two models of religion - the jigsaw and the garden and introduces the great Eternal Questions, exploring identity - body, vital, heart, mind and soul. comments and feedback welcome.
What is Religion - an approach for all ages
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What is Religion - an approach for all ages

(8)
This is a Slide-Show conversation about religion which starts with the answers that a Reception class, part of a workshop I gave in March. Here I explore Religion using models of Jigsaw, Kaleidoscope, Music and Dance and cover concepts of Theist, Atheist and Agnostic I conclude with a section which explores the concept of God. This makes the Slide Show useful for KS4 and older philosophy students as well as younger children. Please give feedback and ratings Thanks, durgamata
What is Religion - an approach by DurgaMata
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What is Religion - an approach by DurgaMata

(1)
This is an approach to the subject of Religion which has evolved over about 20 years of teaching in a number of different schools. It is an approach which has evolved in response to a climate of general hostility towards RE, and it has been effective in making a difference, connecting with the students and developing a positive and enthusiastic attitude. I am intending eventually to publish it, including some worksheets I have created and examples of students work - but today I am inspired just to share it here as a free download in the hopes that you may find it interesting and helpful.
Ecumenical Developments in Catholic  + Protestant
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Ecumenical Developments in Catholic + Protestant

(2)
Including the Second Vatican Council. At GCSE and beyond our students need to learn something about the way that Christians are working together more, particualrly since the Second World War. This outline includes material from Wikki, Catholic and other sources
A meditation/visualisation Buddhism
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A meditation/visualisation Buddhism

(6)
This is a visualisation or meditation that I have used a lot. It is based on Buddhist philosophy of loving kindness. Do give some feedback if you use it - what age and ability group, size of class, responses, artwork and poems etc. One year 10 group objected because they said we are not all good - what about all the bad people - which led to some great analysis of the causes of crime. I have added a bit to the outline and introduction with this possible problem in mind.
Matters of Life and Death Key-Word Crossword Puzzle for GCSE Religious Studies - Unit 1.2
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Matters of Life and Death Key-Word Crossword Puzzle for GCSE Religious Studies - Unit 1.2

(0)
This twelve-word crossword-puzzle, with Teacher's Notes and Helpful Hints, is designed to reinforce or revise the main Key-Words for the GCSE Religious Studies topic Matters of Life and Death. This resource includes * 2 versions of the crossword, * Teacher's Notes which include answers and hints - and a * Helpful Hints sheet which you may use to aid differentiation or as the alotted time is nearly up - to speed up completion. Ideal for use as a Starter Activity, part of a lesson introducing the Key Words, extension activity on this topic, homework or revision.
places of worship
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places of worship

(11)
This is a Power Point which explores the concept of Place of Worship and sets a reflective/mind-map exercise and research homework It explores the concepts of both place and worship encouraging reflection on what it means to be a human being, body, mind and spirit - where we go to find inner qualities such as peace and happiness - Very versatile introduction to the topic of places of worship but useful for more than that - including identity and meditation. Please give comments and ratings to help others.
Muhammad and Islam
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Muhammad and Islam

(7)
responding to a request for help on this topic for a year 5 teacher, I have given an overview of Islam and Muhammad which is based on KS3 but can be adapted for younger pupils. It will also be a useful revision guide and starting place for KS4 students. - (now added a few dates and pictures) As always, please give feedback - and send me more stories and anything else you think would be useful to include, to make this resource as useful as possible.
An outline of Hinduism
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An outline of Hinduism

(1)
This simple overview of Hinduism 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.....
2 Questions What is Religion and the God Question
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2 Questions What is Religion and the God Question

(2)
Part One with ten minute (reflections on life, part 1) lead-in. this is the first of four parts 1) Religion and Me - which explores religion as a universal subject made up of the beliefs and perspectives of each and everyone. This includes an exploration into what it means to be a human being.
Britain's Secret Schindler -  Nicholas Winton
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Britain's Secret Schindler - Nicholas Winton

(0)
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
Britain - a Christian country. And what if it were Jewish?
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Britain - a Christian country. And what if it were Jewish?

(0)
How would Britain be a different country if it were Jewish. This was the brief I was given last term for an interview lesson which didn't materialise. (Because it was close to the end of term they decided they didn't have enough time to arrange it and will just use non-specialist cover.) Initially I planned a lesson using Christmas and reflecting on festivals - as that was topical - but they wanted me to include some info on synagogue. So this the result. Beginning by asking what does it mean to be a Christian country it ends with an overview of church and synagogue. not finished but still a useful resource. I'll polish it up if I have time. Love and Peace DurgaMata
The Holy Land. An Introduction to Christianity.
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The Holy Land. An Introduction to Christianity.

(0)
This is a lesson plan for introducing Christianity and the Holy Land. It includes an overview of the history of Europe - with particular attention to the Holy Land - from the 21st Century back to the building of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem. I aim to create a Power Point to go with this plan.
An outline of Sikhism
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An outline of Sikhism

(2)
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.....
An overview of Buddhism
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An overview of Buddhism

(0)
This simple overview of Judaism 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.....
What Amazes You Most? A poem on Wonder and God.
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What Amazes You Most? A poem on Wonder and God.

(2)
poem, with introduction composed in response to a year 10 contingent who were quite disaffected and atheist-exclusivist-closedmindedist. It was effective in engaging them with the God question. the poem is quite powerful for anyone to read as a meditation and you can omit the central section which is an exploration of evil/suffering, please give some reviews as this helps other readers find the resource.
Irish Gaelic, Indian flute, Mantra and more
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Irish Gaelic, Indian flute, Mantra and more

(0)
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.
Twenty World Views
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Twenty World Views

(1)
A 40 page document prepared for students attending 2004 Parliament of the World's Religions - an overview of 20 World Views - including many great World Religions plus Atheist and Agnostic perspectives. It is a good for reference and comparison. Appendix explores Interfaith work, outlines MOE (Minorities of Europe charity) gives a little history of the Parliament of the World's Religions and info about Sri Chinmoy who opened the last two PofWR with silent meditation and music + Swami Vivekananda (star of the first one.) Free to download here (usually pay for this.)