The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) met on Thursday 26 September 2024 to discuss various educational and community matters. Key discussions included the review of the SACRE's self-evaluation, an overview of school exam results, and plans for the Lewisham Agreed Syllabus review. The council also received an update on the Jewish Life Exhibition and discussed strategies for reducing health inequalities through engagement with faith groups.

Standards in Schools: Exam Results Overview

Anthony Doudle, Director of Education, presented an overview of school exam results, highlighting positive trends in Lewisham. He reported that 67% of Lewisham schools achieved a grade 4 or above in both English and Maths, a 4% increase from the previous year and a significant 8% improvement compared to 2019. Performance at grade 5 in these subjects also saw a 1% increase on the previous year and a 9% rise since 2019. Attainment 8 scores improved to 47.1, a 2.7 point increase from 2019, and Progress 8 scores showed significant improvement from Year 6 through to Key Stage 4. Mr. Doudle commended the quality of teaching and learning in Lewisham schools, noting that performance is well-tracked and progress has been consistently positive.

Regarding A-level results, Mr. Doudle noted more variability compared to 2023, but also significant improvements since 2019, with A* to B grades increasing by 12.2%. The average A-level grade is a B, and there has been a 12% increase in A* to C grades since 2019.

Jewish Life Exhibition

Gerald Rose provided an update on the Jewish Life Exhibition, noting that only six replies had been received. Denise Chaplin encouraged all members to respond to the email invitation, emphasizing that booking was required due to security concerns. Gerald confirmed that two schools, Rushey Green and Good Shepherd, had booked sessions, with morning and afternoon slots available for up to 30 students at a time.

Reducing Health Inequalities Through Faith Groups

Kerry Lonergan and Lisa Fannon from Lewisham's Public Health team discussed their work on reducing health inequalities, particularly through engagement with faith communities. Ms. Lonergan explained that Public Health focuses on the health of the local population and works with various partners, including leading preventative measures against COVID-19. She noted that the BLACHIR report recommended closer working with faith communities, and that recent interns had explored faith communities' priorities in relation to Public Health.

Ms. Fannon highlighted that COVID-19 had exposed health inequalities in the borough, prompting partnerships with Birmingham Council to address these issues. She mentioned that data processed by an academic board had led to recommendations and 39 opportunities for action across seven key themes. She also noted that seven Black-led organisations had been commissioned, and work was ongoing with local Primary Care Networks. Ms. Fannon offered to share an electronic link to the BLACHIR report and had brought hard copies to the meeting.

Monsignor Nicholas Rothon inquired about recommendations for equipment for faith premises, to which Ms. Lonergan responded that while First Aid equipment falls under general health, the team had worked on defibrillators. She also informed the council about free defibrillator training sessions at New Cross Fire station on Saturday, 5 October, which could be booked via Eventbrite. Gerald Rose pointed out the inaccessibility of this date for the Jewish community, and Ms. Fannon advised him to contact the facilitator about arranging a more convenient session. Joan Goldberg commended the team's integrated approach, and the Chair indicated a desire to engage further with the team outside of the meeting.

SACRE Self-Evaluation

The Chair provided a brief explanation of the self-evaluation audit tool, and Denise Chaplin noted its usefulness in identifying development areas and plans, stating it is used by SACREs nationwide. She also highlighted its benefit for more established members in clarifying understanding for newer members.

During the self-evaluation, the council generally considered themselves to be Established with elements of Advanced in Section 1A (Management and Partnership), and Established with elements of Advanced in Section 1B (Meetings). Section 1C (Membership and Training) was evaluated as Advanced with room for improvement, citing invitations to NASACRE training events and the Young Mayors' team as examples. Section 1D (Improvement/Development Planning) was identified as an area needing improvement, with the Chair noting insights gained from the NASACRE conference. Denise Chaplin suggested applying to the West Hill awards for funding for projects, and Cllr Liz Johnston-Franklin questioned if this was an action the committee intended to pursue.

Section 1E (Information and Advice) was considered to have regressed since the pandemic, with Anthony Doudle noting the lag in data publication and the cost of data from MIME. Denise Chaplin explained that the local authority previously provided data directly but this arrangement was disrupted. Cllr Johnston-Franklin found the MIME report difficult to read, and Anthony Doudle proposed asking MIME to cost the specific data requirements of SACRE. Janae questioned the committee's management of the Key Stage 3 curriculum, and Denise Chaplin explained that RE results are compared with other subjects to inform discussions with schools. She also mentioned a request for funding for KS3 twilight sessions.

Anthony Doudle challenged the perception of being Advanced in the first area, emphasizing the need for members to understand the local authority's major strategy documents. Cllr Johnston-Franklin suggested bite-sized presentations with key takeaways. Anthony Doudle committed to delivering a presentation on the RE strategy at the next meeting.

Jewish Life Exhibition

Gerald Rose reported receiving only six replies regarding the Jewish Life Exhibition. Denise Chaplin encouraged all members to respond to the email invitation, stressing the need for booking due to security concerns. Gerald confirmed that two schools, Rushey Green and Good Shepherd, had booked sessions.

Lewisham Agreed Syllabus Review

Anthony Doudle suggested a Zoom meeting for those interested in reviewing the Agreed Syllabus and SMSC guidelines. Denise Chaplin invited interested members to contact her, noting that no responses had been received for the working group for the latter. Gerald Rose questioned the process of requesting an Agreed Syllabus Conference from the local authority. Denise Chaplin advised that this would occur once the scope of the task was assessed, in partnership with Anthony Doudle, and a funding request would be made.

Information Exchange and Any Other Business

Under Inter Faith Week News, Denise Chaplin advised that the week would focus on education and encouraged members to sign up for NASACRE alerts. She noted that while the Inter Faith Network had closed, efforts were underway to maintain its activities, particularly in light of the change in government. The theme for educational establishments is 'Sharing my story, building our future'.

Vallipuram Bala provided information on upcoming Hinduism festivals, including the Chariot Festival on 8 September, and confirmed the temple's availability for school visits on weekdays (except Tuesdays and Fridays).

Shaun Burns reported the appointment of The Venerable Alastair Cutting as Bishop of Woolwich, which he considered a positive development.

Dates of Future Meetings

The date of the next meeting was to be advised. Iman Sabir committed to checking the mosque's availability for the following meeting. The meeting concluded around 8:10 pm.