To provide an update on any national RE initiatives.

SACRE received an update on national initiatives in Religious Education.

The Consultant for RE presented an overview of the following national initiatives:

·         In the wake of the 2011 campaign to include RE in the E-Baccalaureate (E-Bac) the inaugural meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group had been held on 11 June.  The Group, Chaired by Stephen Lloyd MP, comprised of 25 Members of Parliament and 5 members of the Lords with a view to support the provision of RE in education.  The work of the Group would be supported by the Religious Education Council of England and Wales. 

·         A second survey on the impact of the E-Bac had been commissioned by NATRE (National Association of Teachers of RE) and was available via their website. The Consultant for RE requested that secondary schools members bring the survey to the attention of their members.

·         Information had been released in June on the National Curriculum Review.  The focus would be on knowledge and this had similarities with the current National Curriculum.  Effectively exams would be the driver for the curriculum lower down the school.  In a way this reflected the ’Back to basics’ 1950s-style of schooling.  This could mean that ‘levels’ will be replaced by end of year statements.

·         National Review of RE – following the omission from the National Curriculum Review, the REC had set up a parallel review of the subject. It was noted that the DfE had not opposed this parallel review.  The Review is being led by Dr Janet Orchard, University of Bristol, with the expert panel (chaired by Dr Bill Gent, University of Warwick) interviewing witnesses and compiling a report with recommendations in October/November covering: the aims of RE; RE curriculum; good practice in RE, and qualifications and achievement in RE.  The review holds no statutory force but it may lead to something akin to the Non-statutory National Framework.

SACRE noted that due to government procedural reasons neither of the local MPs were part of the All Party Parliamentary Group.  The Chairman offered to write to both MPs to make them aware of SACRE and seek their views on RE in education.

SACRE was made aware of a publication ‘The Church School of the Future Review’ which may impact on RE teaching and Spiritual, Moral Social and Cultural development in schools. 

SACRE also received a brief report on the RE Quality Mark pilot scheme set up to establish a national quality mark for RE which was aimed at raising the profile of RE in schools and would also serve to help celebrate a commitment to excellence in Religious Education.  A number of local authorities had been involved in the pilot which was now being evaluated.

RESOLVED: That

a)    The national initiatives in RE be noted;

b)    The Chairman write to both the local MPs to make them aware of SACRE and seek their views on RE in education;

c)    The Clerk circulate copies of the publication ‘The Church School of the Future Review’ for members information.