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There has been lot in the news recently that is trying to cause hatred towards the Sikh community because of the actions of one Sikh who acted against strongly held Sikh beliefs and values. While we recorded this before the tragic death of Henry Novak, many of the points we discuss are a powerful counter to the attacks of the Sikh faith. Please note there are many mistakes in the reporting of this story, most significantly that a Kirpan was used as the weapon. This simply isn't true. While the perpetrator presented as a Sikh, the weapon attributed to the crime was a straight, 8 inch blade as opposed to the smaller, curved blunt ceremonial sword known as a Kirpan. The Kirpan is a symbol of standing up against injustice and must never be used as a weapon.

This diverse group of Sikhs discuss diversity but focus on what unites them which is a belief in the oneness of God (Ok Onkar), service, equality and earning a good living.

I chat to Amy Ark, Jatinder Loyal, Harry Singh Panesar, Kuljinda Shokar about hair, names, Sikh history, Sewa, equality, marriage, the role of men and women, how to (and how not to teach Sikhi) and an all important reveal at the end of the episode....

Glossary

Sikh (pro. Sick): The follower

Sicki (pro. Sicky): The name of the religion

Gurdwara: Doorway to the Guru

Guru Granth Sahib Ji (Gru Granth sub gee): Living guru

Sewa (pro. sevva) - Selfless service

Anand Karaj - Sikh wedding ceremony

Hukam (pro, hookum): Wisdom/commandment

Bhai Kanhaiya: Gave water to enemy soldiers while in battle

Websites

https://www.pinkladoo.org/

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To celebrate the first Jewish Culture Month, I invite Anna Silver onto the podcast to talk about diversity in Judaism. To find out more about Jewish Culture Month, go to;

https://jewishculturemonth.org.uk/

Anna Silver is Education Officer at the Board of Deputies of British Jews and she is a wealth of knowledge on this topic.

We discuss;

• Mistakes when teaching Judaism;
• The interplay of culture, ethnicity and nationality with Jewish identity
• Ideological diversity in Judaism
• Messianic Judaism
• Clarification on holy texts

It is a rich conversation that I hope will support your teaching of authentic and diverse Judaism.

https://jewishmuseum.org.uk/schools/in-the-classroom/inclusive-judaism/

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Calling all students of AQA GCSE RE!

So Paper 2 is on Wednesday, what are the last minute things you can do tonight to make sure you are ready for your last RE exam?

First of all, don't worry, you've got this.

But let's quickly go through what to expect in the paper, how to answer each type of question, some key concepts, some power quotes and some advice for timing!

GOOD LUCK from the RE Podcast!

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Calling all students of AQA GCSE RE!

So Paper 1 is tomorrow, what are the last minute things you can do tonight to make sure you are ready for your first RE exam?

First of all, don't worry, you've got this.

But let's quickly go through what to expect in the paper tomorrow, how to answer each type of question, some key concepts, some power quotes and some advice for timing!

GOOD LUCK from the RE Podcast!

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Questionning is at the very heart of who we are as humans as well as the RE classroom. Following on from my chat with Joe Kinnaird about his new book; Secondary Religious Education in Action, we delve deep into his chapter on questionning. This follows a brilliant talk he gave on this topic at Strictly 2026.

We look at what makes a good question, how to develop a questionning culture in your classroom, how to deal with 'I don't know' responses and disciplinary questionning and much much more.

Joe suggested three places to find our more about questioning;

https://walkthrus.co.uk/

https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/tips-for-teachers-400-ideas-to-improve-your-teaching-book-craig-barton-9781915261472?sku=GOR012775498&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17428061960&gbraid=0AAAAADZzAIB_X2fZbklVC41wEpoZ8vE4H&gclid=CjwKCAjw5NvPBhAoEiwA_2egfrEtqlutMmcKJqYgJzHERrOlvxHzBA96-aH-57uJj2Xdi-LNMvk1zxoCdj8QAvD_BwE

https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/powerful-questioning-book-michael-chiles-9781785835964?sku=GOR013137016&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19554086773&gbraid=0AAAAADZzAICeyYOLa4w-8GHZNK9_lm8QW&gclid=CjwKCAjw5NvPBhAoEiwA_2egfuwijmAHVumThh9NOjyxi1_JtcM_4HfsDQLCSssHO3AA1725DWl48RoC9WsQAvD_BwE

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In this episode I talk to Farouk Peru about Quranism. I must admit, I didn't know what a Quranist was until the lovely Ruth Marx connected me with Farouk so it is always lovely to learn something new!

We discuss what a Quranist is, and the use of

A - Application of the Qura'n

R - Refutation of criticisms

C - Conversation

We look at how being a Quranist influences practices like prayer and festivals and their take in orthodoxy and orthopraxy (correctness of beliefs and practices), and what methods they use to determine scholarship, as well as the role of Muhammad and the Hadith.

We look at Islamic law and how Qur'anists repond to some laws that have been interpretted harshly by some.

We are always interested in diversity so we look at variations within quranism, even though it is quite a modern trend in Islam.

Finally we look to the future - where is Quranism going?

I hope you learn as much as I did from Farouk.

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Bringing together the latest research and practical strategies for teachers of secondary religious education, Joe Kinnaird draws on his years of teaching experience and passion for high-quality RE to explore a range of ways to deepen pupils’ understanding of religion and worldviews.

This book presents a vision of what it means for students to truly engage with religious education: grappling with philosophical and ethical questions, engaging critically with beliefs and worldviews, and expressing informed responses with accuracy and purpose. Joe makes the case for the importance and value of RE, alongside tips for effective practice in all areas of a RE teacher’s role, such as approaches to curriculum design, teaching disciplinary knowledge and handling controversial topics.

Whether you are beginning your journey into teacher training, an experienced teacher seeking new inspiration, a non-specialist, a subject leader, or a senior leader line-managing RE departments, this book is an essential guide for everyone involved with religious education in the classroom.

For an EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT FOR LISTENERS TO THE RE PODCAST use the discount code SRE10

Release date: 17th April 2026

Cost: £16 (£14.40 with discount)

https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/joe-kinnaird-2/secondary-religious-education-in-action/9781915261915/

What is in the book?

What is the subject about?
What are the challenges, debates and perspectives in RE?
What does the research tell us about teaching RE?
What are the different types of knowledge and concepts in RE?
How can you structure an RE curriculum?
How can I explain and model in RE?
What does questioning look like in RE?
What does writing look like in RE?
What does assessment look like in RE?
What does feedback look like in RE?
How can I use texts and scholarship in RE?
How can I teach controversial topics and sensitive topics in RE?
How can I promote RE beyond the classroom?

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One of the highlights of my year is watching BBC Pilgrimage. This is a reality show with heart and depth and authenticity and vulnerability. It’s not seeking drama or action, it’s seeking the best of humanity. The basic premise is that seven celebrities go on a pilgrimage. This year BBC pilgrimage is back for is 8th series and this time it’s the Celtic Christian road to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. The 390km trail through NE England visiting Durham cathedral and discovering all about Cuthbert - the patron saint of Northumbria. Back in March, I had the pleasure of catching up with the pilgrims for a chat;

• Shia Muslim and stand up comedian Hassan Al-Habib
• Christian Ashley Banjo from the dance troupe Diversity
• Previous ultra Orthodox and now a non practicing Jew, Ashley Blaker, comedy writer and producer of little Britain
• Atheist and TV personality, Tasha Ghouri from Love Island and Strictly Come Dancing.
• 'Al la cartes' Catholic and actor Patsy Kensit
• Spiritual presenter Jayne Middlemiss
• Spiritual actor, Hermione Norris from Cold Feet and Spooks

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002trqw

Episode 1: BBC2 on Easter Sunday 5th April at 9pm

Episode 2: BB2 on Easter Monday 6th April 9pm

Episode 3: BBC2 on Tuesday 7th April BBC2 at 9pm

It will then be repeated throughout April and be available in iplayer.

Join us for a live tweet along as the programme is first aired.

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