Welcome to this issue of the REC newsletter.  If you have information about projects, conferences, reports or developments you’d like included in the next one please email it to me by 28^th September.  It should be in the format of a heading, two or three sentences giving the basics and a website or email address where readers can obtain fuller details. 

New Welsh RE Centre

A recent and very important development for RE in Wales has been the opening of the St Mary’s Centre at St Deiniol’s Library in Hawarden.  It has been established to provide a national centre for the subject, with a mission to promote excellence in RE in Wales and to represent Wales on both UK and international RE scenes.  Its Executive Director is Tanya ap Sion.  For further information see www.st-marys-centre.co.uk

Baptist Union Schools Project

The Baptist Union, through its Mission Department, is currently working on a 2 year project producing resources and training that will help each Baptist church engage effectively with its local school.  A pilot scheme will be run with some churches from September 09 for 6 months.  Some of the resources already available can be seen at http://www.baptist.org.uk/resources/children_youth_resources.asp?section=10

REsilience

Only a month into the REsilience project, there has already been significant progress.  The Project Support Officer has now been appointed and REsilience team members are delighted that Wendy Harrison has agreed to take on this role. Work on identifying existing materials and strategies is well under way and there is now a detailed plan to identify the work packages that will determine the way the project will work, particularly in this, the planning and research phase that lasts until the end of March 2010.  More information is on the REC website at www.religiouseducationcouncil.org.uk

Training on Buddhism for RE teachers and co-ordinators

Clear Vision offers Buddhist-inspired training days, half days and twilights.  These can be tailored to local syllabus needs and can provide a stimulating and relaxing insight into the Buddhist way of life. Training sessions can take place at the Manchester Buddhist Centre, or your local venue. At the Buddhist Centre Clear Vision can combine RE-related exploration of Buddhism and activities related to personal development, stress management and yoga or Tai Chi.  For further details please contact or phone 0161 839 9579.

Inter faith Music Event

A very successful and enjoyable inter faith music event was held this June and another one has already been planned for next year. The next event is scheduled for Wednesday 23rd June 2010 at London Interfaith Centre  125 Salusbury Road London NW6 6RG  Time:  7.30 to 9.30pm.  For a brief report of this year’s event see www.hinducounciluk.org/newsite/circulardet.asp?rec=110

Report on a school RE session on Hinduism

http://www.hinducounciluk.org/newsite/circulardet.asp?rec=113

Hindu Academy training session

As continued efforts to promote community cohesion and respect for diversity, the Tower of London has arranged a series of talks covering different religions for their staff. The session on Hinduism was conducted by the Hindu Academy.  For further details see http://www.hinducounciluk.org/newsite/circulardet.asp?rec=111

The JAINpedia project

JAINpedia is an ambitious five year project taking Jainism into the 21st century. Thousands of beautiful, rare and sacred manuscripts and artefacts will be put on the internet along with specially written translations and explanations. Featuring hundreds of original articles and a comprehensive glossary, JAINpedia will be available to anyone anywhere for free. Alongside the technical development there will be an extensive outreach & education programme with major and regional exhibitions and INSET sessions.  For more information visit  www.jainpedia.org or email

Conference: Helping your Students to Become Successful Learners in RE

Date: Friday November 6^th Venue: Wellington Hall Leyland Lancashire

The New Secondary Curriculum is presenting opportunities and challenges for RE colleagues.  Through this conference teachers will have a clearer understanding of RE's role in the new Secondary Curriculum requirements, opportunities to develop new classroom techniques to engage all pupils, an enhanced understanding of how to assess pupil progress in RE and explored new ideas to engage students when learning outside the classroom.  For more information please follow the courses link on www.lancsngfl.ac.uk/curriculum/re

Equality and Human Rights Commission

Following extensive consultation in recent months, the EHRC has now published its Strategic Plan for 2009-2012.  It contains detailed information about the projected work programmes of the Commission directed at achieving the aims set out under its strategic priorities which have relevance to religion and belief and by extension RE.   

The Strategic Plan (and an Executive Summary) can be found at www.equalityhumanrights.com/our-job/our-strategic-plan.

The EHRC has also published a substantial document listing 48 indicators of “what people need in order to fully participate in society” covering issues such as being healthy, engagement in lifelong learning and an adequate standard of living.  The indicators have been developed to allow the EMF to monitor progress in tackling inequality in key areas, and  include ‘freedom to practise your religion or belief’ and ‘cultural identity and expression’.  The EMF report, a summary of this and background briefing can be found at www.equalityhumanrights.com/fairer-britain/equality-measurement-framework.