Barnabas Brings Revival to RE Lessons

A Christian education initiative to help teachers deliver the RE curriculum is visiting schools across the country to help them get creative with Christianity and explore the theme of "Who am I?" with children.

Barnabas in Schools provides books and ideas for activities for primary teachers to make RE an enjoyable part of the school curriculum. Its nationwide touring scheme is helping primary schools bring RE to life and explore Christianity creatively.

Barnabas leaders visit primary schools for an entire day and work with the children to explore themes like "Who am I?", "Who is my neighbour?" and "What's so special about the Bible?" through storytelling, drama, dance or music.

St Paul's and All Hallows Church of England Infant School was one of the first stops on the nationwide tour.

Deputy head teacher, Sue Maduenyi, praised the Barnabas RE day. "Each one of our seven classes got an individual half-hour performance which enthralled everyone from Nursery to Year Two," she said, adding that Barnabas leader Fru Bird's passion for Bible stories was "almost tangible".

"For my part, it was great to see a RE specialist teacher at work and learn new ideas for presenting RE from her. It was a really inspiring and worthwhile experience for us all," said Maduenyi.

Barnabas leader Bird said, "Everyone was so welcoming. The children loved the Bible stories and listened very well, as well as participating fully in the joining-in bits."