examples of people who were members of gangs and who have transformed their lives through finding faith. John Pridmore is a great example of a British gangster who turned his life around through faith and The most recent one in the news is Mark Rowan who has just been appointed as a Vicar for a village in Devon. inspiration, courage, Christianity, faith,

more interesting and insightful articles with some of the comments from the related forums - I have chosen a fair variety of views to encourage debate. The Anarchy News article was recommended by a friend! Those articles which I find most useful I have marked with AA or AAA rating, In some articles I have highlighted sections that if I were preparing material for use in school I would include - and blue highlighting indicates particularly pertinent sections - but of course this is a personal reaction. By copying the material in an Unformatted style they will be easy for you to edit.

articles about the riots to prepare work for exploring the riots and issues / emotions including grief, alienation, fear and anger opportunity to learn about, think, discuss and reflect in a supportive environment - but one which is able to explore and clarify right and wrong - to challenge and inform. Includes articles from a range of sources to show the different 'spin' journalist give a story. It's easy to scapegoat, stereotype and blame, harder to listen to and to learn. All agree change is needed, but effective change must be rooted in reality. See more in linked resource.

I came to New York in August to attend the birthday anniversary festival of my spiritual teacher. It was as joyful and inspiring as ever. But before I returned home I was asked if I might be able to stay a bit longer to care for a friend who is ill. I don't get much opportunity to come on internet so I have no idea whether this blog idea will be a &'one off&'; or whether I will be able to add to it regularly, but my friend has been away for a couple of days - so at least I have been able to start. I hope it is of use or interest to some of you.

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.

There are references to useful sites and ideas here on the subject of Religion and The Environment. I will add to this - but at present there are also resources that explore Global Warming, Eating meat or being Veggi, Buddhist Peace Gardens and more.

This is a conversation from a thread on the Unemployed teacher's forum in which I was inspired to share something of why I think RE is important. I would love to have some responses from other RE people to get a clearer and stronger picture which I think may help us to fight for our subject more effectively. Lat&'s three principles for good RE - engaging spiritual and rigorous offer a great framework, too.

A favourite activity is when each pupil creates a Religious Identity Passport. I have several models for this. I've used simple versions with year 6 on induction day - quite detailed ones with years 10 and 11 – and all the stages between for years 7 – 9. The Outline is a form I am sending to those who apply for my courses, so I can plan group-work. When exploring Religious Identity in the classroom you use the same language.so while you may need to unpack the form for younger pupils, the form covers everything and may be easily adapted.

These files are all related to RE history or Pedagogy - put together in response to a question on the forum from an RE student who has to write an essay on RE Pedagogy. I will add material as I find it. I guess this is relevant for all who teach RE as CPD. Hope you all had a great Christmas - and best wishes for a great New Year. DurgaMata

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'

Continuation of blog started in September 2011. As a practising theist, who tries to respond to all the ups and downs of life from a spiritual perspective, I feel that my life experiences may be a useful resource. Some have been kind enough to encourage me with this. A few people tell me that they read it regularly, so for them and any other casual readers I continue. The one on 29th and 30th includes 2 photos of the kitties aged 4 weeks best wishes and love to all DMC

send to any who care about RE and to your MP + others mentioned. This is from a thread on the RE forum Share this and related material about the consequences of the Ebacc in Staff Meetings and Assemblies,

Life After Death is a fascinating aspect of the curriculum, I have selected some interesting and informative articles about reincarnation and Near Death Experiences, looking for the most serious scientific explorations of these important subjects. 'Proof&' includes - writing match from one life to the next, people born blind who see the room when having out of body NDE&';s and people who are completely brain dead - no activity in the brain at all - when experiencing NDE's

details to follow in haste (referred to in December blog)

In process - ch 4 half - A royal family, divided by greed and jealousy, faces a battle which symbolises the eternal battle between good and evil. Arjuna asks his charioteer Sri Krishna, to drive his chariot between the two armies. In both armies he sees friends and relatives. He is grief-stricken at the immanent destruction and refuses to fight. Sri Krishna says he must fight. Arjuna begs Krishna to teach him, and Krishna does. This conversation is recorded as 'The Song Celestial' - the Bhagavad Gita - and encompasses the essence of Hindu teaching.

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.....

Coming Soon - Under Construction ...

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.....

two articles relating to the attacks and what seems to have motivated them. Some lovely images of 'angry Muslims&' (actually ordinary people just being people - a great bit of satire.

A selection of interesting and useful resources relating to the above important topics. Also how to use silence and creative strategies Aiming to strengthen the spiritual lives of students improve mental health and self-awareness - and raise the peace and consciousness of the entire school community. please send me a pm to suggest other good resources to include here.