!Dialogue Australasia Network presents a Professional Development Workshop: !

REthinking Critical & Creative RE Exploring rigorous, philosophical and creative thinking in the RE classroom

June 2014: Perth 24/6, Adelaide 25/6, Canberra 26/6, Tasmania 27/6

July 2014: Brisbane 16/7, Sydney 17/7, Melbourne 18/7

‘The world is wider in all directions, more dangerous, extravagant and bright.

We are raising tomatoes when we should be raising Lazarus.’ Annie Dillard

REthinking Critical & Creative RE Exploring rigorous, philosophical and creative thinking in the RE classroom

Our students ask searching existential questions, yet rarely look for answers

within faith traditions.  How do RE teachers share the insights of the great faiths

in relevant, creative and engaging ways?  

!This full day workshop will explore ways of making religious concepts accessible

and meaningful to students. It will model units of work that are academically

rigorous and existentially relevant to the deep concerns of our students.

!This is an important Professional Development workshop for teachers and

Chaplains, and of particular relevance to those looking to develop interesting and

rigorous RE programs for students in years 7–10 (although the material

presented can be adapted up or down).

PRESENTER !!Brian Poxon is the Head of

Philosophical, Religious and Ethical

Perspectives and also leads the Social

and Emotional Learning Program at

Wesley College, Perth.

!Brian has a First Class degree in Theology and Religious Studies

and a Masters in Holocaust Theology, both from Bristol University

in the UK.  Brian has led Religious Education and Philosophy

departments in the UK and Australia, been an examiner in both

countries, and acted as Mentor to trainee teachers on the Bristol

University PGCE course.  Having written four A Level Revision

Guides and recently acted as the External Reviewer for the VCE

Philosophy Study Guide, Brian’s passion and skill is developing

robust, engaging and academically challenging RE in the

classroom.  As well as writing on this theme, he has spoken at

several RE conferences in the UK and Australia (memorably at the

2011 DAN Conference). Brian sees himself as much a fellow

pilgrim as a presenter, and values critical engagement with teachers

and students.

!'Brian Poxon is a highly experienced teacher who inspires and

encourages. He is an innovator whose creative approach sharpens understanding and increases motivation.’

Peter Baron – Educator, Author, Founder

!'The world is wider in all directions, more dangerous, extravagant and

bright.  We are raising tomatoes when we should be raising Lazarus.'  

Brian reflects on this quote from Annie Dillard:

‘Not only do I love this in itself, but I feel it captures something of the spirit of the

workshop where I want to encourage these wider (and perhaps wiser)

perspectives where we reconnect with the student who will often not entertain

starting with the perceived narrowness of defined and ritualised belief.’

BOOKING FORM: REthinking Critical & Creative RE 2014 Please post completed Booking Form to DAN: 34 Douglas Ave, SOUTH PERTH WA 6151

OR Copy details & Email to dan@dialogueaustralasia.org !Name(s): ................................................................................................................... Position in School:................................................................................ School/Organisation: ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... !Email: ........................................................................................................................ Contact Number: ................................................................................. !Postal Address for Receipt: ...................................................................................................................................................................................................

!..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... !Workshop (please circle): Perth 24/6, Adelaide 25/6, Canberra 26/6, Tasmania 27/6, Brisbane 16/7, Sydney 17/7, Melbourne 18/7 !

Detailed venue information is available on the DAN website & will be confirmed by email when booking is received !Any dietary requirements/comments: ..................................................................................................................................................................................... !Cost (GST Inclusive): $140/person or $120/person (for DAN members and if 2 or more teachers from the same school attend) Total $........................ !

Cost includes Workshop & Teaching Materials, Morning Tea & Lunch. Workshops run from 9am-3pm. !Payment Type (please circle): Cheque (payable to Dialogue Australasia Network) or EFT !Account Name: Dialogue Australasia Network BSB: 062–821 Account Number: 1012 1338 Email Remittance Advice to: dan@dialogueaustralasia.org

!REGISTRATIONS CLOSE FRIDAY 13 JUNE (for June workshops) and FRIDAY 4 JULY (for July workshops)

This Booking Form will be your Tax Invoice as issued by Dialogue Australasia Network ABN 90 621 907 834

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