Easter Message from Revd April Gold, Diocesan Director of EducationDear friends, I hope this finds you well and enjoying the longer days of Eastertide. I’m sure it’s been a busy time with Easter services, activities, and excited children and staff looking forward to a well-deserved break. In our weekly huddle, the DBE team reflected on 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18, which I believe encapsulates our shared vision as Christian communities in today’s world:
I’ve been re-reading Stephen Covey’s ‘The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People’ to remind me of his concept of the circle of concern. Covey encourages us to focus on what we can control, and let go of what we can’t. Before you head off for Easter, consider making a list of your worries and sorting them into “circles” of control and influence. Trust that what’s outside your circle will be inside another’s leaving them in God’s hands through prayer. Leave your list of what you can do to equip the next generation for their future roles in the world at school knowing that it will be there neatly curated when you have recharged. I wish you a joyful and restful Easter, with many prayers and blessings, April.
Message to the Diocese from Bishop Sophie Read it on the Diocesan website here.
iSingPOP – Summer Term Classroom Worship The iSingPOP summer term classroom worship episodes were emailed to Heads and RE leads yesterday. Do let us know if you need it again.
Recently Recorded CPD Now Available on the DBE Website Introductition to SIAMS part 1 and 2 Spirituality Short Part 4 – Nature and the World Spirituality Short Part 5 – God and Beyond Find them on resources page of the DBE website and accessible with the usual password. Your governors should also have received information about eight short (10 mins) CPD recordings they can access called ‘Governor Bites’. They are:
They can be found on the resources section of DBE website under governance.
Message from Jen Jenkins… We are saddened to share the passing of Dawn Cox. Dawn was a shining light in the RE world and will be very much missed by all who champion the subject, as well as count her as a friend and beloved colleague. Dawn’s work is peppered through the local RE syllabus, most noticeably in her DIALOG model for looking at sacred texts and her use of the magnifying glass when exploring personal worldviews. We are grateful for her generosity of spirit in sharing her RE resources with us. Thoughts and prayers are with Dawn’s partner Roy and her whole family at this sad time. Read a further memorial to Dawn on the Culham St Gabrilel’s website here
For the full Headlines newsleter contact joanne.evans@coventrydbe.org
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Category: Uncategorized
This week, I had the chance to sing the “World Changers” song with the children of St Gabriel’s CofE Academy as part of their iSingPOP Easter project. It reminded me that changing the world starts with helping our young people think beyond themselves and work together for the common good. As I visit schools and read SIAMS and OFSTED reports, I’m inspired by the passion of our school communities to both help children succeed academically and prepare them to be part of a generation of World Changers.Headlines – 04.04.25
School News
Laura Newell, Headteacher at St Nicholas CofE Primary, Alcester writes:
“We are absolutely thrilled to announce that our school has been awarded the Platinum OPAL Award for outstanding play opportunities! Putting us in the top 2% of the country!
This incredible achievement is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion of our staff, children and wider school community. Through teamwork and commitment, we have transformed playtimes, ensuring our children enjoy high-quality, inclusive, and imaginative play every day.”
Spring Term Pupil Voice – What Pupils Told Us…
A big thank you to the schools that contributed to the DBE pupil voice exercise using the easy ‘smart school council’ link. Back in January the DBE asked the question:
The Bible says Jesus came to give us ‘life in all its fullness’ – what does ‘living your best life’ mean to you?
These were the voting results from both primary and secondary groups:
- Being rich and famous – 0 votes
- Health and happiness – 3 votes
- Having nice family, friends and pets – 5 votes
- Having God in your life – 9 votes – the winning vote
- Being happy with who you are – 5 votes
Additional longer answers from pupil groups were:
For RE Leads…
A Good News Story for RE and the New Syllabus!
Jen Jenkins writes, “I love this email I received from an RE lead in one of our schools on Monday. There was a child in Year 6 that was poorly and was sent home just before lunch (something unheard of at this time of year – as I’m sure you know!) just after lunch his teacher was surprised to see that he had insisted that he return to school after having some calpol because he ‘couldn’t miss RE’ that afternoon!”
Response to the Curriculum and Assessment Review Interim Report on RE
Jen Jenkins has written a reflective response to the Curriculum and Assessment Review Interim Report in terms of Religious Education and the very recent implementation of the new Religion and Worldviews syllabus.
Mapping Disciplinary Knowledge and Skills in your RE Curriculum
You may have noticed Jen mentioned a new set of resources to help you in mapping disciplinary knowledge and skills as pupils develop these throughout the syllabus. The resources are designed to help you with assessment. There is an overview plus the mapping document, as well as a template for creating unit overviews for units in your RE curriculum (plus an example). We hope you find these helpful.
You can find both of these items on the resources section of the DBE website under ‘New Agreed Syllabus – CofE School Specific’ with the usual password
For the full Headlines newsletter contact joanne.evans@coventrydbe.org
Headlines – 28.03.25
School News
Global Advocacy at St Margaret’s
Siân Atkins, Assistant Headteacher at St Margaret’s CofE Junior School in Leamington Spa writes:
“You may remember that St Margaret’s CE Junior School is linked to a school in Bo, Sierra Leone. I was lucky enough to visit the school in 2018 and it has stuck with me ever since how many children didn’t have suitable stationery to write with, and two Year 6 girls in particular who spent a Maths lesson sharing the inside cartridge of a biro. We often talk to children about just how lucky we are here in the UK to be so well resourced at school and have taken part in events like ‘Share a Pencil Day‘.
We were recently able to support the pupils in the school by sending some money fundraised by St Margaret’s families to buy a pen and pencil for every child in the school.
One of the teachers sent me this (2 min) video which I thought you might be interested to see. The faces of the children receiving their pens and pencils is heart-warming.”
Congratulations…
Congratulations to Sybil Hanson, who many of you may know as a long standing board member and friend to the DBE. Sybil is one of six people to be honoured with The Coventry Award of Merit for showing dedication and passion to support the city of Coventry and its residents.
Sybil Hanson has spent over 50 years making a significant contribution to education in Coventry, including 25 years in Leadership at Blue Coat CofE School. In her retirement, Sybil has served on the Board of Directors for the Inspire Education Trust, the Diocesan Board of Education, and the Schools Forum. At the age of 85, she continues to play a role in education in Coventry and is hugely valued.
Here is Sybil alongside Lois Whitehouse, CEO of Inspire Education MAT and Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin at the opening of Blue Coat’s latest sixth form building last year.
Headteacher Termly Briefing – Thurs 22 May – Live Event
Please do join us for the Summer Term Heads’ Briefing on Thursday 22 May 14.00-15.30 on Zoom. This is a live event but will also be recorded. The recording will be sent to those who book a place.
A richer encounter with Parables of Jesus – RE Subject Knowledge CPD – Coming up in June
Two sessions- Tues 10 June and Weds 25 June – 16.00-17.00
Live and Recorded. (Community Schools can attend at a cost of £30 and will also receive the recordings).
Session 1 – 10 June
In this CPD session Jen Jenkins will share some helpful teacher subject knowledge around the parables of Jesus that are included in the new Coventry and Warwickshire RE Agreed Syllabus. This will support teachers in understanding the historical-social context of the parables, as well as some important points regarding theology and hermeneutics for anybody teaching these as part of their RE lessons
Session 2 – 25 June
Too often when exploring the parables, primary pupils are directed to a single, incontestable ‘correct’ meaning. In this session Dr Ryan Parker will share principles and an exemplification of a richer, more scholarly approach to teaching the parables which helped students grapple with diverse interpretations of a parable and consider why different people, including themselves, interpret these texts in different ways. This session will give time to consider how we might use these principles to inform high-quality engagement with sacred texts in primary RE.
Ryan Parker is a Diocesan RE adviser, following a number of years in primary and middle school settings. He recently completed a PhD at the University of Birmingham, focussing on knowledge-rich textual enquiry in primary RE. He also hosts the ‘Flourishing Together’ podcast series which has a focus on high-quality RE.
Book here to attend live or just receive the recordings (or both).
For the full Headlines newsletter contact joanne.evans@coventrydbe.org
Headlines – 21.03.25
School News
Congratulations to staff and governors at Dunchurch Boughton CofE Junior Academy and St Bartholomew’s CofE Academy on their recent SIAMS inspections. They were both found to be living up to their foundation as Church schools, enabling pupils and adults to flourish. Read the reports here:
Dunchurch Boughton CofE Junior Academy
Headteacher Termly Briefing – Thurs 22 May – Live Event
Please do join us for the Summer Term Heads’ Briefing on Thursday 22 May 14.00-15.30 on Zoom. This is a live event but will also be recorded. The recording will be sent to those who book a place.
Interim Curriculum and Assessment Review
Professor Becky Francis and the review panel have published their initial findings and set out the next phase of work. You can read it here. The CofE National Society for Education responded to the initial consultation back in November. You can read that here.
Schools Required to Trial Staff Training on Religion and Worldviews
The DBE has been approached by Dr Céline Benoit, Assistant Professor at the University of Nottingham. She is a colleague who has worked with Jen Jenkins and Diocesan Heads on a number of RE projects including the New Agreed Syllabus. She is looking for expressions of interest from schools that would be interested in trialling Religion and Worldviews staff training resources which you can find here.
Schools taking part will be invited to fill in a before/after training questionnaire, and teachers will be invited to meet with Céline Benoit to talk about what worked well and what didn’t. To thank you for taking part of the project, each school will receive £500, which will be sent out by 31 July 2025 latest.
The project, if successful, will start on 1 May 2025 though Céline will of course work with schools to agree a timeline that would suit schools best.
If you are interested in taking part in this project (and we hope you will), or have questions, contact Céline by email: celine.benoit@nottingham.ac.uk
For the full Headlines newsletter contact joanne.evans@coventrydbe.org
Headlines – 14.03.25
Invitation to Headteachers from Bishop’s House
Bishop Tim Thornton, the Assistant Bishop of Coventry, along with Dean John Witcombe, invites all Diocesan Headteachers to share in the reaffirmation of ministerial vows and the blessing of oils in the Maundy Thursday Chrism Service at Coventry Cathedral on Thursday 17 April 2025 at 10.30.
Has Your School got a Story of Hope for Lent?
Coventry Diocese is looking for stories of hope from schools to share on the diocesan website over Lent. This is to compliment the Church of England’s theme of ‘Living Hope’.
Examples could be answered prayer, coming together after a time of adversity, children learning more about the hope they can have in Jesus etc.
If your school has a story to share, do let us know at: joanne.evans@coventrydbe.org
Message from Revd Andy March, Vicar of Allesley Park and Whoberley – Inspiration for Holy Week and Easter
Revd Andy writes: “If you are looking for inspiration for planning for Holy Week and Easter, I have a website full of resources – poetry, monologues, and reflections written for use in schools and in a church context for all ages. You can access it all for free.
You can also buy a book with all this and more in – “Living Hope – A Collection for Holy Week and Easter” – available as pdf and paperback. In this book readers are invited to take a fresh look at the events of Jesus and his followers’ journey from the triumphant entry into Jerusalem, through to the devastation of Jesus’ death on the cross, then to the unexpected joy and hope of that resurrection day. Through story and poetry, sermons and reflections, Living Hope will inspire, provoke, and give us a fresh understanding of the life-transforming power of Holy Week and Easter.” Click here to find out more and buy
Reminder for Own Admission Authorities
A quick but crucial reminder that own admission authority must publish their determined admissions arrangements for 2026/2027 on school websites by 15 March 2025. And please don’t forget to send a copy to joanne.evans@coventrydbe.org if you haven’t already!
RE Leads Celebration Event
Weds 18 June – Venue near Stratford upon Avon – 14.00-16.00
Come for tea and cake and join in sharing good practice at the end of a year of Implementing the New Agreed Syllabus.
Did something go really well that you’d be willing to share such as pupil books for a tabletop display? Or perhaps you’d like to give a short presentation? If so do let us know – we would love to share your hard work as part of the afternoon. Or please feel free to just come, enjoy the cakes and network with colleagues.
Please register your interest in this event here.
Upcoming CPD…
Weds 26 March – Introduction to SIAMS – part 1 (second session is on Weds 02 April – only one booking needed for both recorded sessions)
Mon 31 March – Spirituality Short
Tues 06 May – Half termly RE Clinic (live session)
Thurs 22 May – Termly Headteacher Briefing (live session)
Weds 04 June – Termly SIAMS update (live session)
Mon 16 June – Half termly RE Clinic (live session)
Click on the links for more information and to book
For the full Headlines Newsletter contact Joanne.evans@coventrydbe.org
Headlines – 07.03.25
School News
Congratulations to Inspire Education Trust who have been shortlisted for the Optimus Education’s MAT Excellence Awards in the category for EDI. The winners are announced at an Awards Ceremony held in London in June.
Congratulations also to staff and governors at St Paul’s CofE Primary Nuneaton on their recent SIAMS inspection. They were found to be living up to their foundation as a Church school, enabling pupils and adults to flourish. You can read the report here.
Invitation to Headteachers from Bishop’s House
Bishop Tim Thornton, the Assistant Bishop of Coventry, along with Dean John Witcombe, invites all Diocesan Headteachers to share in the reaffirmation of ministerial vows and the blessing of oils in the Maundy Thursday Chrism Service at Coventry Cathedral on Thursday 17 April 2025 at 10.30.
Has Your School got a Story of Hope for Lent?
Coventry Diocese is looking for stories of hope from schools to share on the diocesan website over Lent. This is to compliment the Church of England’s theme of ‘Living Hope’.
Examples could be answered prayer, coming together after a time of adversity, children learning more about the hope they can have in Jesus etc.
If your school has a story to share, do let us know at: joanne.evans@coventrydbe.org
God and the Big Bang Coming to Coventry Cathdral
For the full Headlines newsletter contact joanne.evans@coventrydbe.org
Headlines – 28.02.25
School News
On 6 February, Blue Coat CofE School & Music College celebrated its Diamond Anniversary with a special service at Coventry Cathedral. The service looked back on the 60 years since the school was established on its current site in 1964.
The Cathedral was packed with students, staff and special guests. It was a heartfelt celebration, featuring memories from past students, a look back with a history video and beautiful performances from the different school choirs, worship band and gospel choir. The service included the commissioning of Mrs. Lisa Henden as Headteacher by Revd. April Gold and preaching from Pastor Luke Williams (ex-student and Assistant Pastor at CLM Church) and rededication liturgy written by School Chaplain Lou Peet.
The morning concluded with a special ringing of the cathedral bells which coincided beautifully with sunshine streaming through the West Screen.
Bishop Sophie Confirmed as Bishop of Coventry
The Rt Revd Sophie Jelley has been confirmed as the new Bishop of Coventry by the Bishop of London in a service at Lambeth Palace in London on 14th February.
Read more on the Diocesan website here
New Prayer Resource
The DBE has produced a bank of collected prayers that would be useful in school for:
- For the Start of the New Academic Year
- Prayers and Blessings for the School
- Times of the School Day
- Times of the School Year
- Special Times and Difficult Times
- Action Prayers
- Staff and Governors’ Meetings
Find it on the DBE website under general resources and access with the usual password.
For the full Headlines newsletter contact joanne.evans@coventrydbe.org
Headlines – 14.02.25
School News
Lucy Jackson, Headteacher at Hampton Lucy CofE Primary School writes:
“As part of the RE curriculum the children have to investigate how beliefs and ideas are both shaped and expressed through text and art. Our year 3 and 4 class took the opportunity to use Hampton Lucy Church to find out how views can be both shaped and expressed through art and architecture in our place of worship.
Our vicar, Reverend Linda Mac Dermot was on hand to answer questions from the children and the Verger, Mr Ali Speller shared his many years of knowledge. This was a wonderful experience for the children with adults from the PCC adding support.
The children also had the opportunity to sketch parts of the church on a second visit to the church, look at artefacts and photographs. These sketches will be used back in the classroom to illustrate the impression our church had on the children in a final piece of art work. Awe and wonder.”
News from the Diocese
Read Bishop Sophie’s latest letter to the diocese which confirms the date of her Service of Installation and Welcome to be held at Coventry Cathedral.
Tim Sewards, churchwarden and school teacher, has written an article for the Diocese about the relationship between St Peter’s Church, Barford and their local school which he describes as a vital part of their church health. Read it here.
The process for the appointment of the next Archbishop of Canterbury is underway and an extensive consultation exercise that will take place in February and March. Find out more here.
A Half Term Family Project to Help the Royal British Legion?
Later this year The Royal British Legion will be marking the 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day, as well as other key battles which brought an end to the Second World War.
They are in the process of developing learning content for schools and would like your help. They would like teachers to ask children in their classes to research their family stories and submit them to the RBL by 28 February.
What they are looking for:
- A description (maximum 50 words) explaining who the story is about (name, rank or role in the Armed Forces, what they did and where they were during the war.)
- A good quality photograph of the person the story is about. (This could be in their uniform, or after the conflict in their civilian life)
They are especially interested in hearing about where these people were on VE or VJ Day 1945.
A selection of the stories will be used in free teaching resources throughout the year, so please ensure the young people have permission to share the stories/photos before they submit them. Send your stories on a word document to teachingremembrance@britishlegion.org.uk by Fri 28 Feb
Are You Exploring the Role of AI Within Religion and Worldviews Education?
Culham St Gabriel’s is hosting an online symposium to bring together researchers and practitioners who are actively exploring the intersection of AI and religion and worldviews education. The event will be held on Monday 17 March, 2.00 –5.00pm.
For the full Headlines newsletter contact joanne.evans@coventrydbe.org
Headlines – 07.02.25
School News
Blue Coat CofE School, Coventry sent us this great photo of their year 7s engaging with the DBE’s termly pupil voice question…
Recorded CPD Now Available on the DBE Website
Just a reminder that this recently delivered and recorded CPD is available with the usual password on the DBE website resources page:
- Collective worship in a CofE school refresher (and ‘bite size’ version for staff meetings)
- Spirituality Short part 3 – ‘Others’
- SIAMS IQ5 – A Culture of Justice & Peace
- Implementing the New Agreed Syllabus with Understanding Christianity
Free Lent Collective Worship Resource from the Archbishop of York’s Youth Trust
This new free collective worship material for Lent ‘Living Hope’ is available now.
With 6 weeks of collective worship material, ‘Living Hope’ will take pupils on a journey through Lent reflecting on Jesus’ ministry and his message of hope for all people. This flexible resource can be used in the classroom, or in a church setting and you can use and adapt the material as best fits your school context.
It has been designed to run from the 24 Feb, in the 6 weeks before the school Easter holidays. However, Lent starts on Weds 5 March. The resource is flexible and you may wish to do all 6 weeks condensed into 4 weeks, or choose only 4 themes to deliver.
You can find out more and sign up here: www.abyyt.com/lent
To read the full Headlines newsletter contact joanne.evans@coventrydbe.org