The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) met to discuss various aspects of religious education and collective worship within Newham's schools. Key topics included the review of the Newham Agreed Syllabus, updates on national standards for Religious Education, and the consideration of the SACRE's priorities for the upcoming year.

Forums of Faiths

The meeting was scheduled to include a discussion on Forums of Faiths. This agenda item was intended to cover recent events and activities related to different religious communities within Newham. Based on previous discussions, this could have included updates on interfaith events, celebrations of religious festivals such as Diwali and Guru Nanak's birthday, and reflections on community activities like planting trees for future generations.

Newham Agreed Syllabus Feedback

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing feedback on the Newham Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education and Worldviews, which was launched in June 2022. The report pack indicated that the syllabus had been generally well-received by primary and secondary schools across the borough. Positive feedback highlighted its ease of use, clear progression, and the successful incorporation of worldviews and visual icons to enhance teaching and learning. Schools reported that the syllabus had boosted the intent, implementation, and impact of their RE curriculum, leading to increased confidence in both children and staff.

However, the report pack also detailed suggested changes and challenges faced by schools. These included a need for more specific support for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN), difficulties in linking learning objectives to suggested content, repetitive activities, and issues with the clarity of progression in skills and knowledge. Some schools noted that written outcomes could be less engaging for children, and that some provided links to resources were not working. There was also a request for more consistent support, such as PowerPoint presentations for each lesson, and for clearer guidance on mandatory elements within the syllabus.

Student RE Matters Report

The meeting was scheduled to receive an update on the Student RE Matters project for the 2023-24 academic year. This project, titled My Newham, aims to allow students to explore their community through photography. The report pack indicated that students had met with a local photographer, Meg Khan, to learn about capturing key themes and the importance of consent. Students had also visited religious buildings, such as a Gurdwara and St Anthony's Church, to take photographs that represent community values. The project was described as an opportunity for students to expand their knowledge and connect with like-minded peers.

National Content Standard for Religious Education

A substantial part of the agenda was dedicated to discussing the National Content Standard for Religious Education. This initiative, developed by the Religious Education Council of England and Wales, aims to establish a benchmark for high-quality Religious Education (RE) across England. The report pack outlined the proposed national plan for RE, which advocates for a refreshed vision based on a religion and worldviews approach. This approach seeks to explore the nature of religion and worldviews and their role in human life, enabling pupils to become knowledgeable and critical participants in public discourse.

The National Content Standard proposes the establishment of a benchmark for what constitutes high-quality RE, with a focus on subject content, engagement, and position. It details attainment targets for different key stages, from Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to Key Stage 5, and outlines criteria for selecting content, including legal frameworks, intention, inclusivity, contextual factors, and coherency. The report pack also referenced relevant legislation, case law, and Ofsted research reviews concerning RE provision in various types of schools, including academies.

SACRE Priorities for 2023-24

The meeting was scheduled to review the SACRE's priorities for the 2023-24 academic year. These priorities included the production of an annual report, membership development for SACRE, supporting good RE in schools through initiatives like the Place of Worship Competition, maintaining links to best practices in RE and Collective Worship, and further developing the Newham Agreed Syllabus. Additionally, priorities included the publication of updated advice on prayer rooms and collective worship to schools.

Ofsted Annual Report Findings on RE

The agenda included a discussion on findings from the Ofsted Annual Report 2023 concerning Religious Education. The report indicated that RE in schools is generally of poor quality, often considered an afterthought and undervalued. Ofsted highlighted that many schools do not meet statutory requirements for teaching RE at all stages, and pupils are often not taught enough substance to engage with a complex, multi-religious, and multi-secular society. The report also noted that RE topics are frequently not taught deeply enough, and non-examined RE is typically of low quality. The findings stressed the need for coordinated efforts from stakeholders, including high-quality professional development for teachers, clear curriculum guidance from publishers, and explicit expectations from the government.

RE Hubs Update

An update on RE Hubs was scheduled to be discussed. While the specific details of this update are not elaborated upon in the provided documents, RE hubs are typically initiatives designed to provide support, resources, and professional development for RE teachers and schools within a region.

Monitoring RE & CW Forms Sign Off

The meeting was to consider the sign-off of RE & CW forms. These forms likely represent monitoring tools used by the council to gather data on the provision and quality of Religious Education (RE) and Collective Worship (CW) in Newham's primary and secondary schools. The report pack included examples of these monitoring forms, which ask schools to report on the amount of RE taught, the quality of provision, the number of pupils withdrawn from RE and CW, and the use of SACRE's advice documents.

Re-nomination of Saquat as Treasurer for NASACRE

The agenda included the re-nomination of Saquat Ali as treasurer for the National Association of SACREs (NASACRE). This indicates Saquat Ali's ongoing involvement in the national body representing SACREs.

Dates for the Next Year and Venues

The meeting was scheduled to confirm dates and venues for future SACRE meetings. The next meeting was noted as being on 12 June 2024.

Date of Next Meeting

The date for the subsequent meeting was confirmed as 12 June 2024.

Newham Collective Worship Advice Document

The meeting was scheduled to discuss a Newham Collective Worship Advice Document. This item involved members splitting into breakout rooms to discuss the document. Feedback indicated that while some found the document comprehensive, others raised concerns about its definition of worship and its precision. Edward Hoyle, the Chair, noted that the definition was intentionally broad to be inclusive of Newham's diverse community, acknowledging that legislation on collective worship is historical and may be considered outdated by some.

RSHE Consultation

The agenda included a discussion on the RSHE consultation. Marie Hardie reminded members to complete a Google form related to this consultation, and Sarah Heath noted that a government review of RSHE guidance was underway, which might necessitate revisiting the consultation.

Religion and Worldview Leaders Survey

The meeting was also to discuss a Religion and Worldview Leaders Survey as part of a borough-wide consultation on Relationships, Sex, and Health Education (RSHE). Discussions in breakout groups focused on Newham's RSHE documents, with feedback highlighting their inclusive nature and the need to update data. Concerns were raised about language reflecting the contributions of various bodies to RSHE in Newham and bringing documents up to date. Edward Hoyle suggested incorporating context from appendices into policy documents for better understanding. Steven Saxby noted a lack of information on consulted religious groups within a fact sheet, and Marie Hardie emphasised the need for clarity on professional associations and the faith-sensitive nature of RSHE teaching.