The RE Podcast

If you teach GCSE Islam, then you will know how important sources of authority are.  In this episode, Waqar Ahmedi, Zameer Hussain and I discuss sources of authority in Islam.  We explore The Qur'an, The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), the Sunnah and the Hadith as well as other Holy Texts that have authority, and we also consider the role of the Imamate as a source of authority in Shia Islam.  Some of you maybe aware of Zam's recent work on Ijtihad, This is a new concept for me so we explore that a little bit also.  See links below for more details. We look at common mistakes and misunderstandings when teaching sources of authority in Islam. A fascinating chat that will change the way you teach Islam!https://reformingre.wordpress.com/2021/11/16/teaching-diversity-of-opinion-in-islam/https://www.reonline.org.uk/research/research-of-the-month/ijtihad/https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13617672.2024.2312337Wild InterestWild Interest is an audio magazine created by kids for curious minds of all ages....Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the Show.Find out more;Twitter: @TheREPodcast1Insta: @TheREPodcastWebiste: www.therepodcast.co.uk

It's a few weeks until the first GCSE RE exam and so here is a bitesized episode to help support revision.  I look at different revision methods and some top tips for the exam.  This won't replace the valuable work done in the classroom but might give some helpful tips alongside lessons!Good luck to all of you out there as you embark on exam season.  You got this!Link to St Marys Catholic High School and Sixth Form Religious Education position:https://stmaryschs.org.uk/Teacher-of-Religious-Education/Wild InterestWild Interest is an audio magazine created by kids for curious minds of all ages....Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the Show.Find out more;Twitter: @TheREPodcast1Insta: @TheREPodcastWebiste: www.therepodcast.co.uk

On 9th March 2024, millions of Muslims around the world begin a month fasting between the hours of sunlight.During past Ramadans we have spoken from men and women Muslims, and now it's the children's turn.I chat to three Muslim year 11 students, Areez, Alisha and Nila, about what it is like to complete Ramadan whilst in a British school.We look at the challenges and the benefits, as well as what schools can do to support children during Ramadan. A must for any RE teacher and student but please also share with SLT and policy makers!Wild InterestWild Interest is an audio magazine created by kids for curious minds of all ages....Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the Show.Find out more;Twitter: @TheREPodcast1Insta: @TheREPodcastWebiste: www.therepodcast.co.uk

Did you know that the people who bring you TRUETUBE also bring you BBC PILGRIMAGE and SONGS OF PRAISE?  CTVC are a media company behind all of these amazing things and was started by ARTHUR RANK!To celebrate the new BBC Pilgrimage series starting on 29th March 2024, we do a deep dive into the minds of three passionate and talented people involved with the programme;Alison Green - Head of Digital at CTVCBob Ayres - CTVC Education SpecialistDorcas Wood  - Works across TrueTube and the TV PilgrimageWe laugh and we cry as we explore why the BBC Pilgrimage series is so unique and so needed in the current global context.We also look at the state of religious programming generally!The translation of what the Pope said to Stephen K Amos;Giving more importance to the adjective rather than the noun, this is not goodWe are all human beings and have dignityIt does not matter who you are, or how you live your life, you do not lose your dignity.There are people that prefer to select or discard people because of the adjective.These people don't have a human heart.I feel myself amoung brothers and sisters, and I have not asked any of you what your faith or belief is, because you have a basic faith in humanity.For those of you who are believers, please pray for me.For those of you who do not believe, could you wish me a good journey, so I do not let anyone down. Thank youCheck out what's available on TrueTube by clicking on the link belowhttps://www.truetube.co.uk/Holy Cribs serieshttps://www.truetube.co.uk/search/?_sf_s=holy%20cribs&_sfm_length=0+500+++++&sort_order=date+descWild InterestWild Interest is an audio magazine created by kids for curious minds of all ages....Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the Show.Find out more;Twitter: @TheREPodcast1Insta: @TheREPodcastWebiste: www.therepodcast.co.uk

What a delightful topic and a delightful guest.  Oli Aston awakens us to how radical Catholic teachings are, particularly in terms of social justice. We look at their link to Jesus, famous catholics who have put them into practice and how to teach them in the classroom.Here is a link to 'Romero' - the film of Oscar Romero that we mentionhttps://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098219/If you want to do some further reading;https://capp-usa.org/catholic-social-teaching-principles/And here is a link to Oli's article in HWRK magazine on Top Tips for the RE ECT teacherhttps://hwrkmagazine.co.uk/tips-for-the-ect-re-teacher-to-thrive/Wild InterestWild Interest is an audio magazine created by kids for curious minds of all ages....Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the Show.Find out more;Twitter: @TheREPodcast1Insta: @TheREPodcastWebiste: www.therepodcast.co.uk

In the absence of a National Curriculum, Culham St Gabriel CEO, Kathryn Wright and Deborah Weston have written a National Content Standard.  But what is it? Why do we need it? And, Should there be a National Curriculum for RE?  We discuss all this and more in this delightful chat with two people who are just so passionate about RE!https://religiouseducationcouncil.org.uk/resource/national-content-standard-1st-edition-2023/#:~:text=The%20RE%20Council's%20National%20Content,what%20content%20schools%20should%20teach.Wild InterestWild Interest is an audio magazine created by kids for curious minds of all ages....Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the Show.Find out more;Twitter: @TheREPodcast1Insta: @TheREPodcastWebiste: www.therepodcast.co.uk

I spent so much of my career not knowing about NATRE and I don't want any RE teacher to miss out on what this amazing organisation has to offer.  From training, to support to resources, this organisation is run by RE teachers and for RE teachers. In this episode I talk to the CEO of NATRE, Fiona Moss and the Chair of the NATRE executive Katie Freeman.  We discuss what NATRE is, how and when it started, what it has achieved so far and what it is hoping to achieve in the future.If you are not currently a member of NATRE, we outline how you can become one and WHY you should become one!We also hear from members of the exec both out going and in going so you can find out who they are and what they do.https://www.natre.org.uk/Wild InterestWild Interest is an audio magazine created by kids for curious minds of all ages....Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the Show.Find out more;Twitter: @TheREPodcast1Insta: @TheREPodcastWebiste: www.therepodcast.co.uk

Lat Blaylock became an RE teacher over 40 years ago.  As he takes semi-retirement we look back over his extensive career and celebrate this wonderful subject. I ask him why he committed himself entirely to the teaching of RE. Why he loves RE so much and why he thinks it is such an important subject. We look at how it always seems to be in jeopardy but has always stayed above the water! He discusses the projects he been most proud to be part of and offers some words of wisdom about how to teach RE effectively.If you are feeling in a slump, this chat will give you the lift you need.  It will reinspire and reinvigorate you.Here are links to The Spirited Arts project, the Why God, Why? by Bethany Lunney film that features in the episode as well as the Anti-racism resources;https://www.natre.org.uk/about-natre/projects/spirited-arts/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRgdP5-oERshttps://www.natre.org.uk/about-natre/projects/anti-racist-re/Wild InterestWild Interest is an audio magazine created by kids for curious minds of all ages....Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showFind out more;Twitter: @TheREPodcast1Insta: @TheREPodcastWebiste: www.therepodcast.co.uk

This week I interview Mathew Guest about Quakerism.  If you have the February blues then this episode will really cheer you up.  Mathew enightens us about the history of the Quakers but also about the four tenants;EqualityPeaceSimplicityTruthWe also discuss their inspiration behind their commitment to pacifism and non-violent conflict resolution. We consider the importance and need for silence with others in the modern world, as well as the non-judgemetnal, inclusive nature of Quaker meetings.  Although, if you want something done quickly, don't ask a quaker, but if you want something done well - you can learn a lot from their egalitaian methods!I ask Mathew how to teach Quaker in the classroom as well as why he's a quaker.  It is an enightening and uplifting chat and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.The website he recommends is;www.quaker.org.uk/resourcesWild InterestWild Interest is an audio magazine created by kids for curious minds of all ages....Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the Show.Find out more;Twitter: @TheREPodcast1Insta: @TheREPodcastWebiste: www.therepodcast.co.uk

A fantastic chat with Molly Acharya about the Vedas - a set of four holy texts in Hindu Dharma.The Rig VedaThe Yajur VedaThe Sama VedaThe Atharva VedaThese books are full of such wisdom that weaves so much into the modern day life of humans, from architecture to feng shui to yoga to diet.It tells great stories too!We delve into the the history and structure of these sacred texts, and even discuss how to feng shui your classrooms!Molly also shares with us her favourite section of the Vedas - The Gayatri Mantra which she says is the best one to teach your students!Wild InterestWild Interest is an audio magazine created by kids for curious minds of all ages....Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the Show.Find out more;Twitter: @TheREPodcast1Insta: @TheREPodcastWebiste: www.therepodcast.co.uk

Hands up if you knew that there was an RE Quality Mark? Who thinks their department deserves one? Who would like to know how to get one? All these questions and more are asked in my chat with Indy Nottage, Linda Rudge and Jake Womak.  Indy is from the RE coucil of England and Wales that run the REQM and Linda is project manager for the REQM.  Jake is a Head of Department who has just been awareded the Gold mark so gives us an insight into the process from a schools point of view.  It's a beautiful chat with people who are passionate about good quality RE, but is also really infomative and practical about the process of recognising the fantastic work being done in RE across England and Wales.https://religiouseducationcouncil.org.uk/our-work/reqm/about/Wild InterestWild Interest is an audio magazine created by kids for curious minds of all ages....Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the Show.Find out more;Twitter: @TheREPodcast1Insta: @TheREPodcastWebiste: www.therepodcast.co.uk

In my final episode in my mini series on The Sermon On The Mount, I dive into the rest of the Sermon On The Mount.  It meanders around a variety of subjects;Fulfillment of the LawMurderAdulteryDivorceOathsTurning the other cheekLove for enemiesFastingGiving to the needyTreasures in heaven,Not worryingJudging othersTurning the other cheekAsking God for thingsFalse Prophets and disciplesI explore what it might have meant for those listening to it at the time and what it could mean for humans today!The Bible read again by my Da, Tony SmithWild InterestWild Interest is an audio magazine created by kids for curious minds of all ages....Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the Show.Find out more;Twitter: @TheREPodcast1Insta: @TheREPodcastWebiste: www.therepodcast.co.uk

To start 2024 I am doing a little mini series on the Sermon On The Mount.  This was the first piece of teaching of Jesus recorded in the gospels.  Jesus has been baptised, he's fasted and prayed and been tempted and now he begins his ministry. In the last episode I explored the Beatitudes. In this episode I delve into the section on prayer, including the Lord's Prayer. What does Jesus teach about HOW TO pray and what does this mean for Christians today.The Lord's prayer is also an example of liturgical worship and can be used as a source of authority at GCSE. It includes sections on God, poverty, forgiveness and temptation.In the next episode I will look at the rest of the Sermon! Featuing the voice of my Da, Tony Smith!Wild InterestWild Interest is an audio magazine created by kids for curious minds of all ages....Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the Show.Find out more;Twitter: @TheREPodcast1Insta: @TheREPodcastWebiste: www.therepodcast.co.uk

So excited to be starting a new year with Season 11 of The RE Podcast.  In the next few episodes I am going to delve into the Sermon On The Mount.  This week I look at the Beatitudes, and next week I will look at prayer - particularly the Lords Prayer and the week after I will tackle the rest.I have got my lovely Da to read the verses from the Bible so you get a break from my voice so 'Thanks Da!'The Beatitudes are a list of people who don't always get it their way on earth, but will be rewarded in heaven!  It is as relevant now as it was 2000 years ago.A warning.  Some of this content may be controversial to some of you.  This is my interpretation so I may be totally off base here.   Many of Jesus' teachings were controversial, however, that does not mean I am always right!  Please get in touch if you want to discuss anything I have said further.Link to the article referred to in the episode,https://www.amnesty.org.au/israels-apartheid-against-palestinians-a-look-into-decades-of-oppression-report/Wild InterestWild Interest is an audio magazine created by kids for curious minds of all ages....Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the Show.Find out more;Twitter: @TheREPodcast1Insta: @TheREPodcastWebiste: www.therepodcast.co.uk

To celebrate the winter solstice 21st December 2023, I have had a lovely chat with Tara and Linda.  We discuss all things Pagan! How has ininfluenced British culture today, where it came from, the relationship between Paganisms and Christianity - focussing on the upcoming festival of Christmas, as well as misconceptions about Paganisms.  Look out for the real reason Santa is dressed in red! A delightful and beautiful chat about a belief in positivity, environment and kindness!I am using the word 'Paganisms' as there are many traditions which fall under the umbrella term of 'pagan' e.g. Wicca (as you will see in this episode).Seasons Greetings everyone and Happy New Year 2024!  See you then for Season 11 where we will find out more about the Sermon on The Mount, REQM and the work of NATRE!Wild InterestWild Interest is an audio magazine created by kids for curious minds of all ages....Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the Show.Find out more;Twitter: @TheREPodcast1Insta: @TheREPodcastWebiste: www.therepodcast.co.uk

In the last in my series on the parables of Jesus, James Holt joins us to discuss 'The Parable Of The Prodigal Son'. We discuss why he loves the parable so much, the significance at the time and the various interpretations of what it means today. We also consider how you can use it in the classroom.We don't actually discuss what the word 'prodigal' means , which we probably should have done.Prodigal means someone who spends money or uses resources freely and recklessly; who is wastefully extravagant! You'll see why!The story is read by one of my year 11 students, Scarlett (she slayed it!)And the book that James refers to is 'Short Stories By Jesus' by Amy-Jill Levine;https://www.abebooks.co.uk/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=31001110291&ref_=ps_ms_391307717&cm_mmc=msn-_-uk_shopp_textboook-_-naa-_-naa&msclkid=cfe3eccea1cb1cd1725289bb3a15a691Wild InterestWild Interest is an audio magazine created by kids for curious minds of all ages....Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the Show.Find out more;Twitter: @TheREPodcast1Insta: @TheREPodcastWebiste: www.therepodcast.co.uk

This is my favourte of Jesus' parables. Quite simply this is because it makes someone in authority look stupid, and it elevates the little guy - the outcasts.  But what does the Parable of the Good Samaritan mean? Who are the Samaritans? What would this parable have meant to those listening?  What does it mean to love our neighbour as ourselves and how can we use this parable in the the classroom?  This is a story about the hypocricy of religious leaders, and Jesus' expert way of highlighting this, while all the time keeping to the law of Moses. It is about how religious leaders use the law to justify their own actions and condemn those of people they don't like.  It is as relevant now as it was 2000 years ago because human nature doesn't change! It is a lesson to use all to love others but also to love ourselves!Support the Show.Find out more;Twitter: @TheREPodcast1Insta: @TheREPodcastWebiste: www.therepodcast.co.uk

The parables of Jesus were stories he told to a specific group of people for a specific reason.  In this new mini series, I unpack a couple of Jesus's parables starting with the parable of the sheep and the goats.  What did it mean to the people listening? How does it influence Christians today? Why sheep and goats? How do you get to heaven? How does it challenge any human being today?All this and more is discussed in this episode.Particularly helpful for GCSE RE influence quesitons!Wild InterestWild Interest is an audio magazine created by kids for curious minds of all ages....Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the Show.Find out more;Twitter: @TheREPodcast1Insta: @TheREPodcastWebiste: www.therepodcast.co.uk

Some of you might have heard of Fiona Spargo Mabbs - founder of the DSM Foundation. The Foundation was named after Daniel Spargo Mabbs, Fiona's youngest son who tragically lost his life after taking ecstasy. Fiona talks openly and authentically about her wrestles with her Christian faith after many trials she has faced in her life, but how in the end, it was her faith that helped her through.  This is a beautiful but heartbreaking story of the power of faith and how God uses broken people to do amazing things.Here is a link to the  DSM Foundation where you can find details about the drug workshops for teachers, parents and children, links to the resources and books available and more about the foundation;https://www.dsmfoundation.org.uk/Fiona mentions two Bible verses;Isaiah 54:8John 15:16Wild InterestWild Interest is an audio magazine created by kids for curious minds of all ages....Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the Show.Find out more;Twitter: @TheREPodcast1Insta: @TheREPodcastWebiste: www.therepodcast.co.uk

I have just finished a mini series on people who have lost their religion.  In the last episode, I spoke to someone who had lost and then found their faith again.  That is a nice segway into a new mini series called 'Finding My Religion' - looking at people who have chosen to follow a religion.  I start these conversations talking to Sir Giles Gough (not a real knight...yet) about his conversion to Christianity. From altar boy to altar call, chosing between Church and Star Trek voyager, a serious car accident, bullying.  We discuss salvation and what 'being a Christian' means, and the impact it makes on his life - particularly as a husband and father. Really helpful for GCSE RE. Giles explains why he is a diagonal car parked in a parallel world, particularly when it comes to the established Chuches teachings on homosexuality. He refers to a book called Undivided by Vicky Beeching. Here is a link to it;https://vickybeeching.com/book/Wild InterestWild Interest is an audio magazine created by kids for curious minds of all ages....Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the Show.Find out more;Twitter: @TheREPodcast1Insta: @TheREPodcastWebiste: www.therepodcast.co.uk