How to boost religious education in our region was the subject of a major conference hosted by the Diocese of Leeds . 
'Developing Challenging and Engaging RE' offered practical ideas and strategies to develop inspiring teaching of this key subject.
Delegates at St George's, Leeds, heard two powerful speeches from internationally-renowned speakers, Stephen Pett, RE Advisor at RE Today, and religious studies author Bob Hartman.
Mashuda Shaikh, Faith and Community Integration Manager at Kirklees Council, delivered an engaging workshop and there was much input from teachers about what practices work well in their schools.
Ms Shaikh (pictured) said: “Making RE real for children, to enable them to ask questions in safe spaces, is essential for cohesion.
“RE is integral to learning about and sharing the commonality between our faiths and each other.
“Conferences and events like this enhance the work done in our communities and schools to ensure we engage and learn from each other and, most importantly, give our children the opportunity to learn."
Anne Mason, RE Leader at Heaton St Barnabas, CofE Primary School, Heaton, attended the event, and said: “Events like this allow colleagues to liaise and develop and share good practice, which is important work for improving our teaching for our children.”
Janet Tringham, Senior Leadership Schools Advisor for the Diocese of Leeds, said: “The event was very engaging and inspiring.
“There were lots of good ideas to take back to our schools, both theoretical and most importantly practical.”