Members to read the sample syllabuses and send any comments via email by 7 July 2023. (Subsequently this deadline was amended to Monday 17 July.)
Minutes:
Emily Waddilove explained that Angela Hill had drafted a survey and she read out the questions and the accompanying email. She proposed to send out the email in her capacity as link to the SACRE, given that she already had an established relationship with schools. The aim was to send this survey as soon as possible and to have it completed by Christmas.
Shira Solomon asked if schools taught all religions and if there was diversity in teaching? She wondered if a question could be included to cover this point.
Angela Hill explained that in drafting the survey questions, she had been conscious of keeping the survey concise to facilitate participation. In response to a question Angela Hill informed that the survey would be sent electronically and people would be able to respond electronically.
Sarah Whitethread stated that headteachers would have to consult with the subject lead about specific questions such as which exam boards were used, suggesting that it was better to include only questions that headteachers could answer.
John Sutton was interested to know if the survey covered Collective Worship and differentiated between RE and Collective Worship. It was agreed that it would be good to clarify this distinction. However, if this was pointed out to headteachers in the survey, it was possible that this information would discourage honest answers about RE provision. It was agreed that this was point be revisited at in the future.
Shira Solomon suggested grouping the questions and adding the Key Stages that they could apply to, to streamline the survey.
Angela Hill stated that the teachers’ survey suggested that there had been a drop in curriculum time for RE teaching and less compliance, this was a concern. It was important to get a clear understanding of the real situation in terms of RE teaching in schools.
Angela Hill informed that schools were not legally obliged to teach RS for A-Levels. However, they were legally obliged to ensure that there was statutory provision for RE for all pupils in their sixth form, which was usually non-examined.
Emily Waddilove and Angela Hill were of the opinion that it was important to keep questions open in order to find out what is going on in schools. The aim was to offer support to schools so that they could fulfil the curriculum requirements.
· In response to the discussion at the last meeting about trying to recruit secondary school members, Sarah Whitethread had been invited to visit the meeting today.
· It was agreed to check with Shahid Younis at the next meeting whether he had managed to arrange a visit to Samantha Lawless’ school to observe RE lessons and Collective Worship.
· The Chairman informed that the option to hold the summer face to face meetings in places of worship had been considered. However, it had been established that Shute End was the best place to hold this meeting as it was fully equipped to facilitate live streaming to YouTube and a hybrid option (should a member not be able to attend in person).
It was suggested that members joining the meeting online could do so from their place of worship – especially if they were giving a presentation about their faith at the meeting.
· Samantha Lawless would share artwork submitted by her school for the Spirited Arts competition at the next meeting.
· Julie Easton would give a presentation about Collective Worship at her school at the next meeting.
· Emily Waddilove had arranged a meeting with a colleague to find out about the Wokingham Inter-faith network.
· Emily Waddilove informed that a flier containing a list of competitions could be sent to schools.