‘Breathe’ has been launched in Worcester this week - it is a significant resource for key stage 4 Religious Education, bringing the curriculum to life and generating real enthusiasm in pupils for exploring some of the essential elements of the RE syllabus.  Students at the Dyson Perrins CE High School in Malvern were the first to try out the resource, where it was very well received by staff and pupils.  It is now moving to All Saints Church to be used by the students of Worcester Technology College on Tuesday and Wednesday; the week will finish at Bishop Perowne on Friday.

The Breathe experience, comprises a large mat divided into 12 segments which is laid out on the floor, and students are invited to move around the segments for up to an hour listening to reflections on an mp3 player.  Breathe enables learning from religion by asking questions about meaning, purpose, truth and identity in ways which are both subtle and explicit.  The experience is a personal one and they are able to record their thoughts on a paper wheel.  Each session begins with a video explaining how Breathe works and a supervisor is on hand to provide any further guidance.

David Morphy Diocesan Director of Education said, ‘This is an exciting resource for young people aged 16-19 to spend some time reflecting on their beliefs and where they want their life to go.

Young people today are under incredible pressure from advertising, their peers and a culture of choice.  Spending an hour or so with ‘Breathe’ can help them to think for themselves and to consider their beliefs at a deeper level’.

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ENDS      

The Diocese of Worcester is one of 44 dioceses in the Church of England. It covers an area of 671 square miles and includes parishes in the County of Worcestershire, the Metropolitan Borough of Dudley, and a few parishes in northern Gloucestershire, south east Wolverhampton and Sandwell.