TRAINING DAY
R.E. and spiritual development:
using the principles of Godly Play
A training day is being offered for primary school teachers in South Yorkshire by accredited UK
Godly Play trainers.
Imagine an approach to religious education that…
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enables children to make connections and meaning for themselves
values process, openness and discovery
promotes knowledge, skills, empathy, spiritual growth
develops the needs of the whole child: mind, body and spirit
develops language, communication and thinking skills
gives everyone the opportunity to speak for themselves
provides depth and reflection in every session
promotes originality, independent choice and decision making
uses visual, auditory and kinaesthetic approaches to learning
builds a community
A Godly Play session includes a time to:
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get ready
tell a story using objects
explore the story more with open questions and discussion
respond with a free choice using a variety of materials art... play...construction...writing...
enjoy a simple feast and sharing
The Godly Play method has had a profound and often surprising impact on teachers. They have
found, for example, that they are not just rethinking how they approach religious education and
spiritual development; it has made them rethink the whole process of teaching and learning.
Godly Play is being used in a variety of ways in schools across South Yorkshire and the UK and
receives praise from OFSTED and SIAMS. It has been developed from the Montessori
tradition by Dr Jerome Berryman. Please go to www.godlyplay.uk for more information. There is a
section looking at Godly Play in schools under 'Contexts.' An excellent Youtube video can be
found by searching under 'What is Godly Play in Germany?'
The session was inspiring, mainly because of the responses of the children. It was evident that they
were totally immersed in the story and the activities afterwards. All voices were heard and valued and
it was interesting which characters seemed to get the most out of the session…it is no wonder that
OFSTED like this style of learning in R.E. Elizabeth Norris, Y5 teacher at St Mary’s Academy School
I have seen Godly Play make such an impact on children’s lives, giving them access to unlock their
imaginations and feelings in a spiritual setting, and discovering a deeper story than can be found
in traditional story-telling. I am in full support of the proposal to increase Godly Play resources
for schools in Sheffield. Mike North, Children and Young People's Adviser for the Diocese
R.E. and spiritual development: using the principles of Godly Play
Date: Monday, 19th October, 2015
Time: 10am – 4pm (arrivals from 9.30am for refreshments, with a prompt start at 10am)
Venue: The Vine, St Stephen’s, Fawcett Street, Netherthorpe, Sheffield, S3 7PL
Trainer: led by accredited Godly Play UK trainers Kathryn Lord and Kate Cornwell
Cost: £75 to include a jacket potato lunch.
NB:
Schools within the city of Sheffield qualify for a reduced total cost of £25.
Early Booking is advised as there is a limit of 12 for the day
The outline and aims of the day
You will experience two Godly Play sessions and by reflecting on your discoveries we will:.
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consider how the principles of Godly Play can be used across the whole curriculum to
enhance teaching and learning.
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explore how Godly Play principles support the spiritual development of children.
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look at different models of how Godly Play can enrich the R.E. curriculum
For more information please email kathrynlord22@gmail.com or telephone 0114 2662941
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I wish to attend the training on R.E. and Spiritual Development on 19th October, 2015
at The Vine, St Stephen’s, Netherthorpe, Sheffield, S3 7PL
Name: ______________________________________________________
School Address: _____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Email address of participant: _________________________________________________
(all further correspondence will be via email)
Dietary or special requirements______________________________________________
I enclose a cheque for …………………. Cheques should be made payable to Kathryn Lord
Alternatively the school can be invoiced.
Please note that a week's notice is required for a cancellation otherwise we are unable to refund the course fee.
Please return this form with your cheque to
Kathryn Lord
22 Riverdale Road
Ranmoor
Sheffield
S10 3FB