Report of the Head of 16-19 Learning and Skills.

The Chair and the Head of 16-19 Learning and Skills gave a verbal update on the final report published by the Commission on Religious Education (CoRE) in September 2018 entitled ‘Religious Education for All’. 

It was reported that the final report was published after listening to evidence from a wide-range of concerned parties including pupils, teachers, lecturers, advisers, parents and faith and belief communities with a view to rejuvenating religious education to continue its important contribution.  The final report of CoRE proposes that a new National Plan for RE is enacted to ensure that learning in this area remains academically rigorous and knowledge rich.

The Head of 16-19 Learning and Skills advised Members that this was an independent report and there was no obligation currently for SACRE Members to respond to the report or to make any changes to their statutory obligations as a SACRE.

Members discussed the initial recommendations within the report alongside the range of issues that the CoRE were seeking to consult further on before drawing their conclusions.

Members discussed in particular the recommendations to renew and expand the role of SACRE’s; how the academisation of many schools within the borough has reduced the contact with SACRE and the ability for SACRES’s to support all schools in the area; the composition of SACRES; the statutory requirements of SACRE’s; and how this SACRE can provide information and resources and provide advice to schools and RE leads on matters of religion and belief in schools.

IT WAS AGREED – (a) That the final report and recommendations of the Commission for Religious Education be noted.

(b) That all RE Leads within the borough’s schools be contacted with the offer of sharing resources and knowledge across all schools and to circulate any information or events among RE Leads to strengthen the role of this SACRE.