The Catholic Diocese of Arundel & Brighton launched an exciting new collaboration with St Mary’s University, Twickenham (SMU) last night at a celebration held at the University’s South-West London campus.
The evening, which began with Mass in the University chapel followed by a reception in the Waldegrave Drawing Room, marked the official launch of Day by Day; extensive new Primary RE resources developed by RE Advisers from Arundel & Brighton’s Education Service in collaboration with Early Years teachers and Primary practitioners.
Devised to support the RE Directory, “Day by Day” aims to enrich and enhance the teaching of Primary RE in Catholic schools.
Headteachers and school leaders from across Sussex and Surrey, representatives from other dioceses who have been using the resources, and partnership schools joined the Catholic Education Service (CES), members of the diocesan Education Service, and staff from St Mary’s University. Guests were welcomed to the celebration by Prof Anthony McClaran, St Mary’s Vice-Chancellor, and the Right Rev. Richard Moth, Bishop of Arundel & Brighton.
Reflecting on the exciting new partnership, Prof McClaran said, “We are delighted to launch this new initiative with Arundel and Brighton, with whom we already work closely in a number of ways. Educating teachers is in our DNA, and we celebrate 175 years of our foundation to train Catholic teachers this year. I am pleased that we are sharing our expertise in this area to the benefit of teachers and pupils across the Diocese – and, of course, learning so much in the process."
Day by Day is a project which started in the diocese in September 2022. The free to access resource, which will continue to roll out over two years on the St Mary’s website, includes resources across all primary year groups supporting and enriching the delivery of the Religious Education Directory (RED), “To know You more clearly”. Day by Day is launching with Branch 3, which has been granted Canonical approval and is CES approved, with full endorsement pending the completion of all year groups.
Speaking during the launch, Bishop Richard said, “We owe a debt of thanks to all who have been involved in producing Day by Day. It is a very fine resource that will bear much fruit as our young people benefit and grow in their understanding of the gift of faith. I am delighted that this new partnership between the Diocese and the University has been established, and I know we all look forward to continuing collaboration in the year ahead.”
The Director of the Diocesan Education Service, Julie Oldroyd, added, “The Diocesan Education Service wishes to thank all those who have supported and contributed to the development of these resources, including Xavier and Bosco Education Trusts, Primary Heads and RE Leads. We are delighted to be working in partnership with St Mary’s University and look forward to supporting the ongoing development of Day by Day.”
Access the Day by Day resources.