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In a world of poor mental health, increasing pressure on schools and results and young people, culture wars, social media, how can spirituality provide one antidote to the social issues we face?

In this chat with Bob Bowie, we explore what we mean by spirituality and how neuro science is discovering the benefits of spiritual practices. we unpack three ways spirituality can underpin what we do in schools to support our young people;

• Threading it through our curriculum
• Supporting the spiritual growth of our children (and staff)
• Using spiritual pedagogical practices

Spirituality is indiscriminate but needs defined language which RE has a unique position to create. Listen to the end for the wonderful story of Saint Ignatius who started the Jesuit movement.

There are four links we mention in the chat;

https://nicernews.substack.com/

https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/spirit-of-the-child-book-david-hay-9781843103714?sku=GOR002817979&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19553277260&gbraid=0AAAAADZzAIAuvbFwAMZBGxBfDlPVXDzEV&gclid=CjwKCAjwxpvXBhASEiwAue4B4dt5YRaBvsEv6LeHdVhNF6TQB2e0ZDyD1Ex2Uo1fejMtA3RIzRnoohoCXFEQAvD_BwE

https://www.abebooks.co.uk/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=31398333460&dest=GBR&ref_=ps_ggl_2039220669&cm_mmc=ggl-_-UK_Shopp_Tradestandard-_-product_id=UK9780141991030USED-_-keyword=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=2039220669&gbraid=0AAAAAD3Y6guaN7Yt_vdYBGrmgk2HLVUl2&gclid=CjwKCAjwxpvXBhASEiwAue4B4dALHpK2hY8UrwovRkuazhF-f-N_UdYOLj25dRbxppYQNjd4cMT2qRoCVnUQAvD_BwE

https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/people/bob-bowie

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In October 2020 I started a little project to stop me going crazy during lockdown. 6 years later, I am releasing my 250th episode. As the Dalai Lama was busy, I went to the next best thing - all my guest.

At the end of each episode, I ask my guests the same question; 'If you could wake up tomorrow and one thing was different about the world, what would you want it to be?' Here are all the different answers over the last 250 episodes.

They range from the frivilous to the profound. But there are key themes - and these themes get to the heart of what RE is for - to teach people wisdom and compassion to make the world better for more people.

Please let me know your favourite answer on my socials - link below.

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What does freedom of religion or belief (FORB) mean, and what does it look like in practice in our schools?

Back in Season 14 (Jan 2025) I intervied Josh Cass about Freedom of Religion or Belief. Now, 20 months later we return to discover the incredible FoRB resources available for all schools.

In this episode of The RE Podcast, Louisa is joined by Kathryn Wright, CEO of Culham St Gabriel’s Trust, to explore why freedom of religion or belief is an important fundamental human right and why it matters for schools today.

They discuss how schools can create cultures where everyone feels seen, respected and able to flourish, and how leaders and teachers can approach questions of religion, belief and identity with greater confidence. The conversation explores the relationship between FORB, inclusion, belonging and community cohesion, as well as the important contribution that high-quality Religious Education can make.

Kathryn also introduces Culham St Gabriel’s practical FORB resources for schools, including guidance for school leaders, a sample policy and an evaluation and learning toolkit. The episode considers how these resources can be used to review existing practice, identify priorities and support meaningful professional development.

Above all, the conversation emphasises that FORB is not simply an abstract legal principle: it is about people, relationships and creating school communities in which diversity can be explored with curiosity, respect and confidence.

https://www.cstg.org.uk/inclusive-schools-promoting-and-protecting-freedom-of-religion-or-belief/

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