Conference Report

Religious Education Conference - Sharing Good Practice in RE in the Foundation Phase

Below is a report on the conference, held at the Halliwell Centre and Trinity College on 26 June 2007. It contains hyperlinks at the relevant places to the content of each good practice workshop, which contains practical ideas to use in the classroom.

Conference Report

“It has been an invaluable day – I can't wait to use the ideas and resources in the classroom.”

“An excellent conference, which was so comprehensive. It was wonderful to see so much good practice in one day.”

These are two of the comments made by teachers who attended the above conference held at the end of last term and funded by GTCW. The aim of the conference was to celebrate and share current good practice in RE in reception, year 1 and year 2 classes and to inspire teachers to provide good quality RE for their children. The conference also disseminated information and guidance on RE in the Foundation Phase curriculum to be introduced in September 2008.

Following an introductory session by Mary Parry, the county’s RE associate adviser, on the place and nature of RE in the Foundation Phase, conference delegates spent the rest of the day attending four workshop sessions of their choice. Nine teachers in Carmarthenshire schools provided these workshops, sharing their good practice and experiences. They described or modelled a series of activities which they had provided in the classroom and showed examples of children’s work, photographs, artefacts and resources. They talked about the pupils’ responses and how the activities helped to increase pupils’ interest, enthusiasm and understanding, and enhance their skills and attitudes. Pupils contributed to two workshops. Conference delegates also had the opportunity to share their own ideas and experiences.

The workshops and providers

Jayne's workshop on Judaism

1. Introducing Rabbi Ben, the Jewish persona doll, and relevant aspects of Judaism. (English and Welsh medium sessions)

Provider: Mrs Jayne Davies, KS1 class teacher, Felinfoel Infants School. For a detailed description and resources, click here.

Annalyn's workshop

2. Effective learning and teaching activities for the RE topic ‘Special Places’ including the vicar persona doll and Circle Time. (Welsh medium)

Provider: Mrs Annalyn Davies, Headteacher, and teacher of RE in KS1 and early years, Llanpumpsaint Primary School, together with 6 pupils, Christian, Sam, Catherine, Josephine, Gwawr and Rhys and teaching assistant, Mrs Ray Davies. Detailed description and resources to appear shortly.

Lilian's Workshop

3. Using ICT and other activities to introduce Easter, New Life and Baptism. (Welsh medium)

Provider: Mrs Lilian Davies, KS1 and early years teacher, Abergwili VC School. Detailed description and resources to appear shortly.

Cathryn's Workshop

4. Introducing Seema, the Hindu persona doll and relevant aspects of Hinduism. (Welsh medium)

Provider: Miss Cathryn Clements, year 2 teacher, Ysgol y Dderwen, together with 4 pupils, Garmon, Chloe, Rebecca and Ffion. Detailed description and resources to appear shortly.

Kay's Workshop

5. Introducing Surinder, the Sikh persona doll and relevant aspects of Sikhism. (Welsh medium)

Provider: Mrs Kay Jenkins, KS1 and early years teacher, John Vaughan VC school, Llangynnog. Detailed description and resources to appear shortly.

Delyth's Workshop

6. Using ICT and other activities to introduce Christmas. (English medium)

Provider: Miss Delyth Williams, year 2 teacher, Johnstown Primary School, Carmarthen. Detailed description and resources to appear shortly.

Val's Workshop

7. Introducing the nativity story, using cross curricular methods and play. (English medium)

Provider: Miss Val Davies, reception class teacher, Tycroes Primary School. Detailed description and resources to appear shortly.

Wendy's Workshop

8. Introducing Surinder, the Sikh persona doll and relevant aspects of Sikhism. (English medium)

Provider: Mrs Wendy Evans, reception class teacher, Burry Port Infants School. Detailed description and resources to appear shortly.

Louise's Workshop

9. Effective learning and teaching activities for the RE topic ‘Celebrations’, including activities for the interactive whiteboard. (English medium)

Provider: Mrs Louise Davies, KS1 and early years teacher, Nantygroes Primary School. Detailed description and resources to appear shortly.

Over 80 teachers from Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion attended the conference and they were unanimous in their praise of the high standards and usefulness of the good practice workshops. I should like to extend my thanks to the nine teachers mentioned above for their willingness to share their experiences with others and for the time and effort they put into preparing the high quality sessions. I should also like to thank the Halliwell Centre and Trinity College for hosting the conference and the staff in the Griffith Jones Centre, particularly Gwyneth, Meinir, Nia, Tristy and Andrew, for ensuring a well-organised and smooth-running day.