New Sikhism teaching resources for religious studies at primary schools have been launched at a Slough gurdwara.

The launch, led by Discovery RE in association with the Sikh Educational Trust, was the result of an intensive effort by the trust over 18 months to produce original, engaging content for Years 3 and 5.

The need for a new set of Sikhism RE resources was inspired by a visit by Discovery RE’s director, Jan Lever, to the opening in November 2017 of Without Shape Without Form, a Sikh art exhibition housed in a dedicated 7,000 square foot gallery at Guru Maneyo Granth Gurdwara, Bath Road.

The resources were brought to life at the launch with a demonstration of their use in the classroom with children from Wexham Court. Teachers were able to see how their current RE provision could incorporate the Sikh syllabus.

Julie Siddiqi, a member of the Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education, said: “This Sikhism RE syllabus sets the bar high for all faith groups to aspire to produce this quality of syllabus content.”

Manjit Bringan, a headteacher in Uxbridge said: “It was lovely to see the new RE materials first hand. 

“With the inspection framework being revised to put greater emphasis on the curriculum, today was timely and thought provoking.

“Often RE teaching in schools can be superficial with a focus on artefacts and celebrations.

“The Sikh syllabus' focus on the values of Sikhism is a more relevant approach.”