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News, views, and important information from various Government agencies...
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  QCA

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Reporting format for SACREs and provisional guidance for Agreed Syllabus Conferences

The QCA have published (January 2008) a new reporting format for SACREs to use when compiling their annual report. This format updates the 1997 format, follows the structure of the SACRE SEF, and brings community cohesion into the arena of issues that SACREs can comment on.

There is also guidance on writing an agreed syllabus using the national framework. This guidance was compiled in order to help agreed syllabus conferences make the most coherent possible use of the framework, thus promoting clear planning for challenging, inspiring RE.

The publications can be found on the QCA website at: www.qca.org.uk/qca_7882.aspx

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RE - Non-statutory National Framework

After extensive national debate in the world of RE, in October 2003 QCA was commissioned to consult on a National Framework for RE.

The proposals, published in April 2004, were for a non-statutory national framework aiming to clarify standards, promote high quality teaching and learning, and recognizing the important contribution of the subject to pupil's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development by:

  • supporting the Standing Advisory Councils on Religious Education (SACREs) that draw up local RE syllabuses, ensuring that they meet the needs of pupils
  • facilitating the development of more national support materials for RE
  • increasing public understanding of Religious Education in the 21st century by providing clear guidance on what is covered in RE.
Ken Boston, Chief Executive of QCA, said: "Religious Education in this country is based on two principles - that it should be a statutory part of education for all pupils and that it should reflect the particular needs and circumstances of local communities. QCA is committed to providing national support to ensure that local provision is of the highest quality."This consultation will provide opportunities for LEAs, SACREs, faith communities, teacher trainers, and teachers to comment on, and shape, the draft framework for Religious Education, and make clear to us what further support they need to provide effective teaching and learning in RE."I am grateful to the different groups who have worked hard helping to draft the framework."

The structure of the framework followed that of national curriculum requirements for other subjects.

The Secretary of State welcomed the proposals.

A round of further consultation with organisations concerned with RE followed and in October the Secretary of State launched the first non-statutory national framework to support the delivery of high quality religious education (RE) in schools. At the launch he said:

"There is a legal requirement for all schools to teach religious education. I want to ensure that standards are consistently high so that every pupil benefits. That's why this framework is so important. "The framework is the starting place for considered and informed learning opportunities. Children have a right, and indeed, should expect to be told about what is important to their friends who may hold different beliefs to their own. "Faith groups must seize this opportunity to develop their own resources that enhance understanding of their faith, and their response to world issues. I support the development of materials that can be used with the framework. "Religious education can transform pupils' assessment of themselves and others, and their understanding of the wider world. I see it as vital in widening inclusion, understanding diversity and promoting tolerance. "Last year, following consultation with key stakeholders, I asked the QCA to look at how this could be achieved and I am delighted to be launching this framework. I know that all the major faith and belief groups and the RE community are supportive of the framework and I would like to thank them for their invaluable contribution throughout its development."

A copy of the non-statutory framework is available at:
www.qca.org.uk/qca_5970.aspx

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Primary religious education (RE)

Primary religious education (RE) [www.qca.org.uk/10072_10596.html] has background information about RE including the legal position; the non-statutory national framework; schemes of work; inclusion; responding to pupils' diverse learning needs; assessment; and parental concerns.


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Religious Education Key Stage 3

Religious education Key Stage 3 has background information about the key concepts that underpin the study of RE, and the essential skills and processes in RE that pupils need to learn.


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Religious Education Key Stage 4

Religious education Key Stage 4 has background information about the key concepts that underpin the study of RE, and the essential skills and processes in RE that pupils need to learn.


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Respect for all - Religious Education

Respect for all - Religious Education has background on the potential in the RE curriculum for valuing diversity and challenging racism, and case studies of good practice from schools across the country.


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Religious Education and Collective Worship - SACRE annual reports

Standing advisory councils for Religious Education (SACREs) continue to be legally responsible for advising local education authorities on religious education and collective worship, and are required to report annually on the advice they have given. QCA analyses the SACREs' annual reports.

An analysis of 2005 SACRE reports [www.qca.org.uk/qca_9468.aspx]


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Email concerning RE at QCA may be sent to: religiouseducation@qca.org.uk


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