Fantastic programme about how science has learned more about the universe. It starts with the Ancient Greeks and the concept of the earth being the Centre of the Universe and moves on to the Hubble Telescope. On a personal note, I would have liked more than a passing reference to other cultures as Hindu astronomers had the sun at the centre of the universe thousands of years ago - and the Arab astronomers learned from them when the Mogul empire extended into India, but for what it sets out to cover it does a good job. It also introduces the Big Bang.

An initial assembly explores the question 'What is Religion' using many 'models' and questions. Moving on to Art-based activity, we look at Rock and Cave-Art thinking about what the Stone-Age people may have believed in / how they may have made sense of their world. Then using 'Stone-Age materials, create our own 'Cave-Art.'. Lots of opportunity for thinking about what we believe and why, asking questions, developing empathy and greater self-understanding.

Max files are 20. I just added a recent article (2014) and my own views + suicide by doubling up with another file. But there are many other important perspectives. Do give me a message about inspiring or helpful articles etc. so I can include them here too. The three autobiographical accounts are taken from the Courage website - testimonials section. I have listed most docs as 'guide&' to use as sources or extension material. However Jeremy Marks statement of apology is concise enough to use directly with KS4 classes and raises many interesting points. Lots on Euthanasia too.

There are 20 files here which explore many aspects of the subject of Capital Punishment. questions to use as a starter/plenary what is the difference between murder and manslaughter arguments for and against Capital Punishment, The UN and Amnesty and what they have to say on the subject several examples of wrongful convictions Religious Texts relating to Capital Punishment are 'in the pipe line'

This Power Point slide show combines images and texts to encourage thought, reflection and discussion about important issues including evolution, family and relationship, peace and conflict, poverty and homelessness, global warming, disability, courage and hope.. It has evolved from the earlier slide-shows but this file is designed for use with GCSE, and older classes. There are images which could distress younger students - It's good for upper school assemblies I hope you enjoy this resource and find it valuable.

In response to a question about teaching Eid-ul-Adha to a year 5 class I have collected a range of articles which inlcude pictures and the web address of a BBC site which has a 3 minute video. I hope this is helpful for the year 5 teacher but it will also be very useful for Secondary RE teachers. It includes many perspectives. I will add to it if/ as and when/ time permits. (note - I have not yet read all this. It is not me who has to plan the lesson - but I have increased the text size to make it easier to read.

My friend's two sons call me Grandma and I have known them for more than ten years, This is an account of the way the older son got into big trouble a few years ago. He is now in prison as a result. Get your students to work out all the different places where he made choices - which could have changed the course of that very sad evening, in which he was responsible for the death of his friend. I have now added another 'chapter&' three years on. I hope that by reflecting on this true story, they may be able to make wisher choices themselves. It might even save someone&';s life.

Both these documents are more or less the same at the moment, but I will add to them. They arise from a question on Creation Story - but also touch on issues in other threads. KS4 + Post 16, give the whole document to 'thread info they already know' onto it, plus see where it falls short. (any generalisation is inevitably false.) Those who practise a faith can try to position themselves, those who belong to a religious community can look for examples of all these 'types' of Christian (or Muslim etc) in their faith community.

...taking part in a forum discussion with the tile Poor behaviour = poor teaching - or is it vice versa? ... inspired to look for good articles - I particularly like the ten points and 'The truth is, behaviour in schools is a complex issue that needs co-operation between classroom teachers, school managers, parents, outside agencies... and the pupils themselves to make it better.- Not solve the problem, just make it better. There is no quick fix or magical solution. Only if the Leadership Team supports the staff, can poor behaviour be changed,

In her encounter with the Stone Age Tribe, Rebecca takes part in a mammoth hunt and then, during the feast that follows, tells the Wise Elder about her world. He is impressed and shares the problems of his own tribe, asking if we have peace in our world. When Rebecca tells him about war and poverty he asks if there is no God in our world. In the second story, the author wonders if the 'Druid-Man she met might be able to help her answer her own questions. Great stories for encouraging reflection and debate on the big questions, with elements for primary and secondary age students.

Responding to a question on a thread about this topic, an outline of the way that different schools of thought within Islam respond to the question of what sort of art is permissible. I hope to add the actual suras from the Qur'an which relate to art and the Hadiths to this plus a power point of examples of Islamic Art which can be used in both RE and Art lessons - but to start with, here is my response to the question on the thread.

from websites and newspaper articles, a range of articles. These will be interesting to stimulate discussion with exam groups and engage G + T students at KS3 most relate to Christianity but some to Atheism and other world views. The one about the way that Americans change faith - but are basically looking for a faith they can follow, challenges the idea that 'faith is on the wane.' The traditional churches may be losing numbers but most people, find that they are looking for something to give them more of a sense of belonging and meaning than our Western Capitalism can offer.

So far there are just some good youtube links here..... More resources now added. Do let me know if you know of any not included here and if you have any way of getting the Malcom Muggerage TV documentary Something Beautiful For God which I used to use in teaching. the resources I found include a film made about Mother Teresa's life in 2003 which is really good. This is my 100th resource and I am really happy that it is about such a special person.

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.)

This film asks 'what is wrong with the world?' and &'What can we do about it?&'; It impressed and moved me so deeply that I would like to see the film shown at the start of Autumn term to all RE classes across the country. Each year the pupils would get more from it, as their own experience and understanding develop. Annoyingly these links have been removed - some copyright infringement. I have bought the film and will send you a copy if you give me a pm. It really is worth having and showing - in 'bite-size chunks&' for younger classes.

A collection of resources including youtube video which tells the story of a South African woman who forgives the policeman who killed her son and husband A poem and reflection on love A Role Play exercise based on Jewish practise partucularly suited to Yom Kippur

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

This is my own reworking of an exercise which I found on one of the RE forums. It gives a powerful experiential insight into the meaning of Sanctity of Life. I follow this with an exercise of voting and statistical analysis which offers a simple opportunity for cross-curricular maths and citizenship.

This is my account of what happened when we moved to London and my son (then aged 9) suffered some bullying. (He is now 31 and a professional actor. You may have seen him in the photos and video referred to on Siddhartha becomes the Buddha.) I wrote this years ago and found it when doing a computer search for Krishna - in relation to my recent Hinduism Day. I think it could encourage some good discussion on many aspects of RE, PSHE and Citizenship. I have now also uploaded the 'parent' file - Sunlight and Shadow parts 2 and 3

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.