School of Education

In August 2023, Leon Robinson ran workshops at the European Forum for Teachers of Religious Education conference in Rome, entitled  “Ars longa, vita brevis: Art, work and RE -  what makes life worth living?” reflecting the ambitions of the work.

Drawing on such diverse sources as classical philosophers, the dharma traditions, Japanese Tsukumogami, the Islamic concept of caliphate and the Judaeo-Christian duties of stewardship, this workshop invited participants to consider what is valuable and meaningful in life and ways in which these might be shared with and between learners of all ages in the context of religious and philosophical education. Participants were invited to share their enthusiasm and appreciation of artworks, poetry, buildings, music and artefacts. The workshop’s ambitions included a critical exploration of RE’s affective domain, the relationship between caring, motivation and resilience, and the positive psychological impact of appreciation. Participants shared their enthusiasm for such diverse artefacts as coffee machines and black sweaters to gardens and places in their homes. The reception was very positive, with many participants from all across Europe indicating that they would take this exercise back to their own practice, as it had been a life-affirming process, linking everyday experiences with the sometimes esoteric-seeming teachings of different religious and philosophical traditions. A full write-up of the workshop process and findings will follow.

First published: 23 October 2023