Bible Alive

Bible Alive is an exciting programme, which teaches children in P5-7 the whole story line of the Bible in a series of interactive multi-media lessons. It fits with all four capacities in Curriculum for Excellence, as well as covering many of the experiences and outcomes in the RME section of the curriculum. So far, it has been used in over 60 Scottish schools as well as others in the UK and beyond, and it has also been used in churches and children's clubs.

Bible Alive uses story telling, music, drama, puppets, quizzes, activities, props and costumes to bring the Bible to life. It is held together by "Rhyme 'n' Sign", a set of ten rhyming couplets which recap the story of the Bible, accompanied by British Sign Language signs. The programme is flexible and the whole Bible is usually taught in schools in five to eight one-hour lessons. It has met with a very positive response from both pupils and teachers.

"Bible Alive is fun but still tells you facts. It is not boring. I liked how it wasn't just talking - it was films and acting and poems."

"It is good fun when we act out scenes from the Bible. It makes you understand more."

"I thought it was exciting and fun and really did bring the Bible alive."

"I liked everything. Can you please come back? It was AMAZING."

"I loved it and the Bible is more fun than I thought."

"I was very impressed with the format and the range of experiences which were made available to the children. It is a unique way of presenting RME in line with CfE and teaching staff who were present were amazed at the way in which the children listened and remembered as well as the interactive nature of the lessons. I personally have not seen anything better in this area of the curriculum."

(David Aird, Principal Teacher, Gilmerton Primary, Edinburgh)

Bible Alive was set up in 2005 by a charity called Kingserve but transferred to be run by Scripture Union Scotland in April 2011. Bible Alive is taught by "activators" who have trained, usually on a four-day residential course. The training covers the various story-telling techniques as well as the "Rhyme 'n' Sign", together with advice about putting together a programme after training, and approaching schools.

If you would like to find out more about Bible Alive, to find out if it is being used in your area, to arrange to come and watch a lesson, or if you would be interested in training to teach Bible Alive, please contact Lesley Crawford on (0131) 445 9916 or email Lesley.Crawford@suscotland.org.uk.