The Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE) of Harrow Council met on Tuesday 25 June 2024 to discuss several key issues, including the implementation of the new Religious Education (RE) syllabus, the annual report on the state of RE in local schools, and the promotion of interfaith activities within the community. Decisions were made to adopt the new syllabus and to increase funding for interfaith initiatives.

Implementation of the New Religious Education Syllabus

The council discussed the implementation of the new RE syllabus, which aims to provide a more inclusive and comprehensive curriculum. The syllabus has been designed to reflect the diverse religious and non-religious beliefs present in Harrow. Members debated the merits of the new syllabus, with some expressing concerns about the potential for increased workload on teachers. However, the majority supported the change, citing the importance of inclusivity and modernisation in education. The decision was made to adopt the new syllabus starting from the next academic year.

Annual Report on the State of Religious Education

The annual report on the state of RE in local schools was presented. The report highlighted both successes and areas needing improvement. It was noted that while many schools have made significant progress in delivering high-quality RE, there are still challenges, particularly in terms of resources and teacher training. The council resolved to address these issues by providing additional support and resources to schools, as well as organising professional development workshops for teachers.

Promotion of Interfaith Activities

The promotion of interfaith activities within the community was another major topic of discussion. The council reviewed current initiatives and discussed ways to enhance them. There was a consensus on the need to foster greater understanding and cooperation among different faith groups. To this end, the council decided to increase funding for interfaith activities, including community events, educational programs, and collaborative projects between schools and religious organisations.

Additional Topics

Other topics discussed included the review of the council's previous statements and manifesto pledges related to religious education and community cohesion. The council reaffirmed its commitment to these goals and outlined plans for future initiatives.

For more details, you can refer to the Harrow SACRE agenda 25-06-24 and the Public reports pack Tuesday 25-Jun-2024 19.30 Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education.