Revive

What is REvive?

REvive helps schools bring the RE curriculum to life.

REvive workshops are not sit-down classes, but instead offer a variety of active and stimulating activities that challenge and question. From sharing real-life stories and points of view, to getting out and about visiting different places of worship, the aim is to awaken curiosity and interest and to create space for young people to explore a wide range of ideas and opinions.

We cover topics on the GCSE RE syllabus, like abortion, euthanasia, divorce and homosexuality. We recognise that issues such as these can directly affect young people and we ensure that all subjects are explored sensitively and inclusively.

How does REvive work?

Because Soulscape is a Christian organisation, Christianity is reflected in REvive lessons. However, we do not assume one Christian position. Young people are offered a wide range of (often diametrically opposed) Christian viewpoints to explore. Real-life stories and interviews, forum theatre exercises and group activities help pupils unpack challenging issues and begin to develop their own opinions.

Along with our interactive lessons for GCSE students, we also support religious education by running a whole day that covers Christianity in action. This day looks at why Christians do certain things in response to their faith – from making personal life decisions to getting involved in charity work. It covers topics from forgiveness to food banks.

Faith in action is an important concept for RE students to understand for their GCSEs (we produce an accompanying booklet to help them answer the exam questions), and also for life, as they grow up in a society still shaped by people living out their beliefs.

What is different about REvive?

REvive lessons don’t draw on text books and they don’t give answers. Instead they create space where young people are able to explore new ideas for themselves. Lessons are carefully researched; we actively seek out people whose views range widely to present a variety of opinions, and we are able to bring real life examples into the classroom for exploration and debate. Our aim is to challenge, surprise, inform and empower young people to think independently.

Why is REvive important?

To foster community, friendship and tolerance, and to understand world events, it is more important than ever that young people understand what it’s like to have a faith and how it affects people’s lives and choices. In a world where debate is often reduced to little more than thoughtless social media bullying, religious education offers unique potential to inspire curiosity, encourage openness and develop understanding. But religious education in school is one of the first areas to be hit when finances are tight. REvive is our response – creating space for young people to think, not only about the issues covered, but also about how faith is revealed in people’s lives.