RELIGIOUS education in York has entered a new era with the launch of a new RE syllabus for the city's schools.

The new syllabus, designed to bring RE into the 21st century, and to make it easier for teachers to tackle the subject, was launched by Professor Terence Copley, at the City of York Council's head teachers' conference.

Prof Copley, of Exeter University, is a leading figure in religious education, and is one of only two professors in the subject in the country. Dr David Hope, the Archbishop of York, also attended the launch to show support, as many Church of England schools in the city have decided to adopt the syllabus. Sue Foster, senior education development advisor, said it was based on one used in East Riding schools area, with added information relevant to York, such as local religious contacts.

She said: "The new syllabus is more user friendly for teachers. In the past it was quite vague and teachers had to do a lot of their own background research, but this one is much more detailed and gives teachers a clear idea of subjects to cover and activities they can set for students."

She said that as well as concentrating on the six major world religions, Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and Sikhism, pupils would be able to learn about Ba'hai, the Humanist association, and other religious groups in York.

Dr Ann Lees, of the York diocesan board of education, said: "We are delighted to join in the launch of York's new agreed syllabus for RE."

Updated: 10:22 Wednesday, November 13, 2002