The SACRE meeting on 19 June 2024 focused on the review of the Ofsted Deep Dive RE Report, setting priorities for the 2023-24 academic year, and discussing the importance of meaningful religious education. Key decisions included the adoption of the SACRE priorities for 2023-24 and the endorsement of the findings from the Ofsted report.

Ofsted Deep Dive RE Report

The meeting began with a detailed review of the Ofsted Deep Dive RE Report for Newham SACRE. The report highlighted both strengths and areas for improvement in religious education (RE) across Newham schools. Key findings included the need for more consistent teaching standards and better resource allocation. The committee discussed the implications of these findings and agreed on the importance of addressing the identified gaps.

Councillor Paul Convery noted, The Ofsted report provides a crucial roadmap for enhancing the quality of RE in our schools. We must ensure that our teachers are well-supported and that our students receive a comprehensive and engaging education.

SACRE Priorities for 2023-24

The committee then moved on to discuss and adopt the SACRE priorities for 2023-24. The priorities include improving teacher training, increasing student engagement in RE, and fostering interfaith dialogue within the community. These priorities were unanimously adopted after a robust discussion on their relevance and feasibility.

One member emphasised, Our priorities must reflect the diverse needs of our community and aim to build a more inclusive and understanding society.

Importance of Meaningful Religious Education

The final major topic was the discussion of an article from the Church Times on Deep meaningful RE by F Moss. The article argued for a more profound and reflective approach to RE, which resonated with the committee's goals. Members discussed how to integrate these ideas into the current curriculum and the potential benefits for students' overall development.

A committee member quoted from the article, Meaningful RE is not just about learning facts; it's about understanding different perspectives and developing empathy and critical thinking skills.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need to implement the discussed strategies and monitor their impact on the quality of religious education in Newham.