(public pack)agenda document for sacre, 11/02/2016 15:30
TRANSCRIPT
SACRE MEETING3.30 pm THURSDAY, 11TH FEBRUARY, 2016
TWYNYRODYN COMMUNITY SCHOOL
This Agenda has been prepared by the Democratic Services Department. Any member of the public requiring information should contact the department on (01685) 725203 or email [email protected].
A G E N D A
1. Apologies for absence
2. Declaration of Interests
3. Presentation on RE at Twynyrodyn Community School
4. Minutes of Previous Meetings (Pages 1 - 6)
5. Matters Arising
6. Membership Update (Pages 7 - 8)
7. Analysis of Examination Results 2015 (Pages 9 - 16)
8. Revised Criteria for GCSE and GCE Specifications: Update
(Pages 17 - 24)
9. National Curriculum Review and Assessment: Update
(Pages 25 - 32)
10. Holocaust Memorial Day: Feedback (Pages 33 - 36)
11. WASACRE Issues:
Feedback from meeting at Blaenau Gwent on 25th November 2015 (attendance issues)
(Pages 37 - 42)
Nominations to the WASACRE Executive.
Date of Spring Meeting at Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire - 8th March 2016.
Date of Summer Meeting at Denbighshire - 23rd June 2016.
12. Correspondence
13. Any other business as deemed urgent by the Chairman
COMPOSITION: Councillors E Galsworthy (Chair)
Councillors G Lewis and K Moran (Vice-Chair)
A Jones, S Bernard Henderson, L McCarthy, H Price, J Jones, K Thomas, M Carrington, L Draper, G Tasker, A Star, Rev. M Prevett and J Brill
Dorothy Haines and Vicky Thomas
together with appropriate officers
If you would prefer a copy of this agenda in another language please contact [email protected] or telephone 01685 725203
Os byddai’n well gennych gopi o’r agenda hwn mewn iaith arall, cysylltwch a [email protected] neu ffoniwch 01685 725203
MINUTES OF MEETING
SACRE MEETINGTUESDAY, 3RD NOVEMBER, 2015
PRESENT: Councillor E Galsworthy (In the Chair)
Councillors K Moran and G Lewis
Professional Associations:A Jones, S Bernard Henderson, L McCarthy, H Price, J Jones, M Carrington and L Draper
Faith CommunitiesRev. M Prevett
LA RepresentativeV Thomas and J AllmanKaren Vokes (Democratic Services Officer)
ITEM NO.
AGENDA MATTER DECISION
701 Election of Chairperson
RESOLVED that:
Councillor Ernie Galsworthy was formally re-elected as Chair.
702 Election of Vice Chairperson
RESOLVED that:
Councillor Kate Moran was formally re-elected as Vice Chair.
Councillor Ernie Galsworthy took the Chair
703 Apologies for absence Apologies for absence received from Garth Tasker and Ann Star.
704 Declaration of Interests No declarations of interest were made.
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Agenda Item 4
705 Minutes of Previous Meeting
RESOLVED that:
The minutes of the meeting held on 2nd June 2015 were submitted and approved.
706 Matters Arising In relation to future meetings, Vicky Thomas advised that Garth Tasker and Ann Starr would be unable to attend any meetings which are held on a Tuesday, due to other long term commitments.
RESOLVED that: The Committee will alternate meetings between a Tuesday and a Thursday to ensure that members can at least be able to attend some of the meetings.
Vicky Thomas referred Members to the presentation she made in the June meeting on Mary Parry's work on Motivating and Raising the Attainment of Boys from the context of Islam. Following a request for the full set of teacher materials, she advised that Mary Parry has agreed to share this with all our Secondary Schools, together with a CD containing electronic material including u-tube clips etc. These were handed out to secondary school teachers in the meeting and Karen Vokes to forward any remaining directly to the Schools not represented at SACRE.
707 'Using Hwb+ to improve boys' writing'
Lucy Draper made a presentation on the use of Hwb+. She advised that this is a facility that enables all learners and teachers to access online resources anywhere, at any time, and also provide tools to help teachers and learners create and share their own resources.
Hwb+ was integrated into the RE curriculum at Penydre High School for a period of 4 weeks, with the intention to improve boys’ attitudes towards writing and to close the attainment ‘gap’ between boys and girls.
She outlined in detail how the pupils participated and also the positive findings which resulted from their participation. She advised that this resulted in:
Attainment being improved for both genders
Boys making greater progress and the attainment gap being significantly reduced.
Almost all pupils (94%) enjoyed the use of the Hwb+ platform.
Most pupils being extremely positive about the strategies used over the course of the intervention.
Implementing the platform over a long timescale, could lead to improved attitudes.
Lee-anne McCarthy outlined the progress made on Hwb+ at Cyfarthfa High School.
Following a detailed discussion, it was RESOLVED that:
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Lee-anne McCarthy and Lucy Draper to provide details to Vicky Thomas for inclusion in the RE News Website on how Hwb+ is used in their Schools and how effective it has been with the pupils.
Justine Jones arrived at the meeting at 4.00 pm.
708 Membership Update Vicky Thomas outlined the following vacancies of the SACRE membership:
UCAC Secondary Heads Association Association of College Managers Evangelical Church
Karen Vokes advised the Committee that the new RE teacher will be joining Merthyr College after half term and will hopefully take up the membership of the Association of College Managers. Karen Vokes to liaise with Jonathan Martin to confirm this.
Vicky Thomas advised that she has been in contact with Jim Stewart to confirm an Evangelical Church Member on this Committee, and will report back to the next meeting on progress.
In relation to the vacancies on the UCAC and SHA, Vicky Thomas to e-mail details to Jane Allman so that this could be raised at the appropriate meetings.
709 SACRE Annual Report 2014-15 and progress report on the Development Plan 2012-15
Vicky Thomas referred to the SACRE’s Annual Report for 2014/15 and led the Committee through the Executive Summary and responded to questions raised.
Vicky Thomas then led Members through the Merthyr Tydfil SACRE Development Plan for 2012-15 and advised of progress made on issues identified within the plan.
RESOLVED that:
Following amendments identified, the report be approved. Vicky Thomas to make amendments and send back to Karen Vokes.
The Annual Report be circulated to the Department for Education and Skills (DFES) together with the organisations as outlined in Appendix 6 of the report by the 30th December 2015.
710 SACRE Development Plan 2015 - 2018
Vicky Thomas led the Committee through the Merthyr Tydfil SACRE Development Plan for 2015-18 and advised that progress made on issues identified within the plan will be included in the next Annual Report.
RESOLVED that:
The contents of this Development Plan for 2015-18 be noted.
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711 Inspection Report Analysis Autumn 2014 - Summer 2015
Vicky Thomas referred to the School Inspection Reports in relation to the 3 primary schools, namely Troedyrhiw, Twynyrodyn and Ysgol Y Graig and led Committee through the outcomes.
Mark Carrington, Headteacher of Twynyrodyn Community School, then gave an update on progress on how the School is currently meeting the Estyn Recommendation for Collective Worship.
712 RE and the National Curriculum
Vicky Thomas referred to comments made by Huw Lewis, Education Minister, with regard to the proposed changes to RE and also the Minister’s response to WASACRE (attached as an appendix to the agenda).
She advised that WASACRE Executive members were invited to regular meetings with officers from Welsh Government, and it was clarified at these meetings that RE will remain a statutory subject and full consultation on the proposed name change, ie. Moral Education and Philosophy will be sought and stakeholders will have input.
Detailed discussion ensued in relation to the consultation, and Mark Prevett expressed concern that this Committee’s scheduled dates may not coincide with the consultation dates therefore not giving this Committee the opportunity to debate and respond.
Although it was recognised that Vicky Thomas would normally send responses to Members for approval to meet consultation deadlines, it was agreed that a Special meeting would be arranged if required.
713 WASACRE: Vicky Thomas led Committee in detail through the Minutes of the WASACRE meeting at Mold, Flintshire on the 25th June 2015.
Discussion ensued in relation to the next WASACRE meeting on the 25th November 2015 at Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council in Ebbw Vale, and it was agreed that Karen Vokes will send out the agenda to all Members when they are available.
The following Members confirmed that they would attend this meeting:
Councillor Ernie Galsworthy Councillor Kate Moran Father Mark Prevett Ms Justine Jones Mr Mark Carrington
Due to the number interested in attending the meeting, Karen Vokes to confirm this with Libby Jones at WASACRE.
Following a request by several teacher representatives to attend only part of the day due to their commitments within their Schools, it was agreed that Karen Vokes will also
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confirm this with Libby Jones.
714 Holocaust Memorial Day 2016
Vicky Thomas referred the Committee to the report. She advised that Holocaust Memorial Day is an annual event that takes place on 27th January which marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenhau concentration camp.
She advised that Schools are encouraged to participate in the Holocaust Memorial Day, and outlined the events that had taken place last January throughout the Borough.
RESOLVED that:
Vicky Thomas to draft a letter to all Schools and contact Ann Yates from the Central Library on forthcoming events for HMD.
715 Schedule of Meetings 2015-16 (see Minutes)
RESOLVED that:
The next meeting of SACRE will now be held on Thursday, 11th February 2016 at 3.30 pm at Twynyrodyn Community School. The RE Co-ordinator will provide a short presentation on the delivery of RE at the School.
The date of the June SACRE will be confirmed at the February meeting.
716 Correspondence No correspondence was discussed.
717 Any other business as deemed urgent by the Chairperson
The Chair advised that there was no business deemed urgent.
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MERTHYR TYDFIL COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL
REPORT TO: STANDING ADVISORY COUNCIL FOR RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
DATE: FEBRUARY 11TH 2016
SUBJECT: MEMBERSHIP UPDATE 2015 /2016
Local authority
Councillor Gareth Lewis Local education authorityCouncillor Ernie Galsworthy, Local education authorityCouncillor Kate Moran Local education authorityVacancyTeacher associations
Amanda Jones RE Teachers’ Association Afon Taf High school
Sian Bernard-Henderson/ Leanne McCarthy
National Union of TeachersCyfartha High School
Vacancy UCAC
Vacancy Secondary Heads Association
Helen Price/Justine Jones NAS/UWT
Katy Thomas Association of College Managers
Mark Carrington, NAHT Twynyrodyn Community School
Lucy Draper Association of Teachers and LecturersPen-y-Dre High School
Religious denominations
Garth Tasker Roman Catholic ChurchVacancy Evangelical ChurchAnn Starr Presbyterian ChurchFather Mark Prevett Church in WalesJanine Brill Salvation Army
LA Officers
Dorothy Haines Head of School ImprovementKaren Vokes Clerk to SACREVicky Thomas Independent RE Consultant
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Agenda Item 6
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MERTHYR TYDFIL COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL
REPORT TO: STANDING ADVISORY COUNCIL FOR RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
DATE: FEBRUARY 11th 2016
SUBJECT: ANALYSIS OF EXAMINATION RESULTS 2015
A PURPOSE OF REPORT
To inform members of the attainment at GCSE and A/AS level of Merthyr Tydfil pupils in Religious Studies and Religious Education for 2015
B BACKGROUND
The information for 16 year- olds currently relates to those electing to follow a course in religious studies in Years 10 and 11 or A/ AS level and to those following GCSE short course in Religious Studies as the schools’ provision for RE as part of the basic curriculum.
It should be noted that definitive conclusions cannot be drawn because the figures represent raw scores and do not necessarily reflect the selectivity of the entry and in some cases the numbers are too small to be statistically significant.
RECOMMENDATIONS
That SACRE note and discuss the examinations results 2015
To consider circulating the findings to secondary schools in the Authority. PLEASE NOTE:
THE RESULTS RECORDED HERE ARE FOR THOSE PUPILS ENTERED FOR THE EXAMINATIONS. THEY DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE NUMBER OF PUPILS FOLLOWING THE EXAMINATION COURSE NOR DO THEY INDICATE HOW WELL PUPILS ARE PERFORMING RELATIVE TO THEIR ABILITY.
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Agenda Item 7
GCSE RELIGIOUS STUDIES (FULL COURSE) 2015Merthyr
2015Merthyr
2014Merthyr
2013Consortium
2015Wales 2015
A*-A 30.2% 18.8% 17.34% 31.7% 30.0%A*-C 74.1% 65.3% 57.23% 72.7% 75.0%A*- G 98.6% 98.8% 95.38% 97.1% 98.0%Entry Number
1394 schools
1704 schools
173 4 schools
4462 11,167
There were 139 entries from 4 schools. Entry numbers are slightly below previous years and have been decreasing year on year since 2012. All schools have entries in double figures.
The average cohort entry for Merthyr Tydfil in 2015 was 23.2% which is below the previous two years (2014 was 28.4% & 2013 was 25.2%).
The overall % of A*- A grades was 30.2% which is better than previous performance and comparable with the Consortium figure of 31.7% and the All Wales of 30%.
The overall % of A*- C grades was 74.1% and is the best result of the last three years and better than the Consortium figure of 72.7% and comparable with the All Wales figure of 75%.
The overall % of A*-G grades was 98.6% and is comparable with 2014 but better than the Consortium figure of 97.1% and All Wales figure of 98%.
Conclusions
Results are better than or comparable with 2014 and better than 2013 at all grade boundaries.
Figures are comparable with Consortium and All Wales figures at all grade boundaries.
GCSE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (SHORT COURSE) 2015Merthyr
2015Merthyr
2014Merthyr
2013Consortium
2015Wales 2015
A*-A 22.8% 20.4% 22.01% 20.4% 14.0%A*-C 62.5% 69.6% 55.98% 60.1% 52.0%A*- G 96.6% 98.9% 96.14% 94.9% 93.0%Entry Number
3254 schools
2703 schools
2594 schools
6035 10,098
There was an increase in entries this year. All schools had entries in triple figures and thus enter a significant percentage of the cohort and pupils of all ability levels. Some schools enter pupils for two short courses and their performance has been reflected in the full course results. However, it is important to bear in mind that those pupils entered for two short courses will be mainly the more able and this will reflect on the A*-A and A*-C results for Short Course.
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The average cohort entry for Merthyr Tydfil in 2015 was 54.3% which is higher than 2014 (45.1) & 2013 (37.5%)
The overall % of A*- A grades of 22.8% and is the best performance of the last two years but better than the Consortium figure of 20.4% and the All Wales figure of 14%.
The overall % of A*- C grades was 62.5% and is below 2014 but better than 2013 and better than the Consortium figure of 60.1% and the All Wales figure of 52%.
The overall % of A*-G grades was 96.6% and is below 2014 but better than 2013 and better than the Consortium figure 94.9% and the All Wales figure of 93%.
A significant number continues to be entered for short course and this is very encouraging because it provides pupils with the opportunity for accreditation for their KS4 study. We must also bear in mind that pupils do not usually opt to follow the Short Course but it is delivered as part of the statutory requirements for RE.
GCE RELIGIOUS STUDIES (A LEVEL) 2015Merthyr College
2015
Merthyr 2014
Merthyr 2013
Consortium2015
Wales 2015
A*-A 5% 20.69% 23.08% 23.7% 23.0%A*-C 79% 75.86% 84.62% 81.8% 81.0%A*- E 100% 96.55% 100% 99.3% 100%Entry Number
25 293 schools
39 3 schools
539 1441
There were 25 entries from the college and students studied Ethics and Human Experience at A2. The entry figures have slightly decreased this year.
A*-A was achieved by 5% of students and is below previous performance and the consortium figure of 23.7% and the All Wales figure of 23%.
At A*-C candidates achieved a pass rate of 79% and is better than 2014 performance but below Consortia figure of 81.8% and the All Wales figure of 81%
The pass rate for grades A-E of 100% is excellent and comparable with or better than Consortium and All-Wales figures
GCE RELIGIOUS STUDIES (AS LEVEL) 2015Merthyr College
2015
Merthyr 2014
Consortium2014
Wales 2014
A 0% 0% 8.06% N/AA – C 68% 66.67% 63.71% N/AA – E 100% 100% 92.74% N/AEntry Number
25 91 school
124 N/A
There were 25 entries from Merthyr College and students studied Buddhism and Ethics at AS.
There were no A grades and this is the same as 2014.
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At A-C candidates achieved a pass rate of 68% which is better than previous performance and the Consortia figure of 63.7%.
The pass rate for grades A-E of 100% is excellent and comparable with 2014 performance and better than the Consortium figure of 92.7%
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Merthyr Tydfil County Borough CouncilSACRE
Key Stage 3: Year 9 Religious Education Levels2014 and 2015
Please Note:
Teacher assessment is not moderated externally. Teachers arrive at judgements for each pupil using assessment information gathered during the course of key stage 3. Exemplification material is made available to schools in order to moderate standards internally against the level description contained in the agreed syllabus.
L5+ is the figure for those pupils gaining a level 5 or above in Religious EducationL6+ is the figure for those pupils gaining a level 6 or above in Religious EducationL7+ is the figure for those pupils gaining a level 7 or above in Religious EducationNL means that no level was able to be awarded to those pupils.
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Key Stage 3 Year 9 Religious Education Levels Merthyr Tydfil 2014BOYS NOR Level
1Level
2Level
3Level
4Level
5Level
6Level
7Level
8EP Total % L
5+% L 6+
% L 7+
% NL
Total numbers 274 0 0 15 60 149 45 3 0 0 272Percentages
0 0 5.5 22.0 54.7 16.5 1.1 0 0 99.3% 71.9 17.5 0.7Consortium 3940 0
0190.5
1553.9
72818.5
173043.9
98925.1
2767.0
170.4
10.0
391599.4% 76.5 32.6
0.60.6
GIRLS NOR Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5
Level 6
Level 7
Level 8
EP Total % L 5+
% L 6+
% L 7+
% NL
Total numbers 234 0 0 6 22 123 65 18 0 0 234 -Percentages
0 0 3 9 53 28 8 0 0 100 88.0 35.5 -Consortium 3784 0 10
0.3521.4
3288.7
147338.9
134135.4
50013.2
591.6
10.0
376499.5 89.2 50.2 0.5
ALL PUPILS NOR Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5
Level 6
Level 7
Level 8
EP Total % L 5+
% L 6+
% L 7+
% NL
Total numbers 508 0 0 21 82 272 110 21 0 0 506Percentages
508 0 0 4 16 54 22 4 0 0 99.6 79.3 25.8 0.4Consortium 7724
0290.4
2072.7
105613.7
320341.5
233030.2
77610.0
761.0
20.0
767999.4 82.7 41.2 0.6
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Key Stage 3 Year 9 Religious Education Levels Merthyr 2015
BOYS NOR Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5
Level 6
Level 7
Level 8
EP No Level
Disapplied Total % L 5+
% L 6+
Total numbers 245 0 0 3 33 111 76 14 2 0 6 245 203 92Percentages
0 0 1.2 13.5 45.3 31.0 5.7 0.8 0 2.4 100 82.9 37.6Consortium
4041 0 300.7
1303.2
53713.3
175643.5
124430.8
2897.2
250.6
0 250.6
50.1
4041100
331482.0
155838.6
GIRLS NOR Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5
Level 6
Level 7
Level 8
EP No Level
Disapplied Total % L 5+
% L 6+
Total numbers 215 0 0 3 15 81 91 23 0 0 2 215 195 114Percentages
0 0 1.4 7.0 37.7 42.3 10.7 0 0 0.9 100 90.7 53.0
Consortium3775 0 3
0.1401.1
2697.1
119931.8
146838.9
69218.3
872.3
10
160.4
3775100
344791.3
224859.5
ALL PUPILS NOR Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5
Level 6
Level 7
Level 8
EP No Level
Disapplied Total % L 5+
% L 6+
Total numbers 460 0 0 6 48 192 167 37 2 0 8 460 398 206Percentages
0 0 1.3 10.4 41.7 36.3 8.0 0.4 1.7 100 86.5 44.8Consortium
78160 33
0.41702.2
80610.3
295537.8
271234.7
98112.6
1121.4
10.0
410.5
50.1
7816100
676186.5
380648.7
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COMMENTARY ON LEVELS ANALYSIS AT KS3
Results at L5+ for all pupils are 86.5% which shows a year on year improvement with 79.3% (2014) and 66.3 %( 2013). There has also been a significant improvement in results for boys only by approx 11% and for girls only their results have improved by approx 2.5%. The gap in performance between boys and girls has narrowed again this year with it being 8% (2015) and 16% (2014). The results overall in 2015 are comparable with Consortium figures for Boys / Girls and All Pupils. In 2014 it was below Consortium figures for Boys / Girls and All Pupils.
Results at L6+ for all pupils are 44.8% and this again shows a year on year improvement in performance with 25.8% (2014) and 21.4% (2013). Boys’ performance has significantly improved by 20% whilst girls’ performance has also improved by approx 18%. The gap in performance between boys and girls has decreased to 16% at L6+ and 18% (2014). The results overall are below the Consortium figures for Boys / Girls and All Pupils.
Gender differences in RE
2015 2014 2013L5+ 8% 16% 30%L6+ 16% 18% 15%
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MERTHYR TYDFIL COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL
REPORT TO: STANDING ADVISORY COUNCIL FOR RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
DATE: FEBRUARY 11th 2016
SUBJECT: Update on GCSE and GCE specifications
GCSE
A Full Course and Short Course option will be continued
All specifications must ensure that another religion in addition to Christianity is studied. (See attached draft specifications)
This had presented an issue for those RC schools who currently do two RC options. RC schools will now study Judaism as the second religion. Discussion still ongoing as whether that will be 50% for each religion or as the Church would prefer 75% from the Christian Catholic perspective and 25% Judaism.
The Welsh specifications will remain unitised.
Unit 1: Religious responses to Philosophical Themes - Life and Death & Good and Evil
Unit 2: Religious responses to Ethical Themes - Relationships & Human Rights
There is a book by Hodder called Illuminate which will be available for the new specifications. It ties in with the English specifications but should prove useful for Welsh specifications also.
GCE (A and AS)
There are two different specifications for two different countries (England and Wales.
In England AS and A2 will be stand alone qualifications whereas in Wales AS will still feed into A2. There will be 3 separate papers in Wales and not one paper at the end as in England.
No exam in January in England or Wales.
Process and Timescale
Revised Specifications for AS and A level and Sample Assessment Materials were submitted to Qualification Wales for approval at the end of Nov 2015. This is Stage 2 in the process. This material is currently being translated and when this is done, these draft proposals will be put up on the WJEC website - provisional date 18th January. Note, there is a draft one page summary of the AS and A level proposal currently on the WJEC website.
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Agenda Item 8
The GCSE RS draft Specification was submitted to Qualification Wales for Stage 2 approval before Christmas and the Sample Assessment Materials will be submitted before long – WJEC are working towards the submission date of Jan. 15th. These draft proposals will then go to translation and will subsequently be put up on the website (hopefully by the end of January, but there is no guarantee given that the translation unit is inundated at present). Unlike A level, there is no draft one page summary for GCSE available.
Qualification Wales will respond to the submitted specifications and advise on necessary changes. The Qualifications Development Manager at WJEC feels that Qualifications Wales may provide this feedback on the specifications before the end of January although they do reserve the right to take longer. Following the feedback from Qualification Wales, the necessary revisions will be made to the specs by WJEC and then resubmitted for approval. It is not possible to predict the timeline for making the required revisions, resubmission, actual final approval by Qualifications Wales, translation and publication of the actual specifications.
Training programme currently programmed to take place February 2016 for A/AS level and March 2016 for GCSE at Cardiff, Carmarthen and Mold.
Implementation from Autumn 2016
Issues
The delay in approval for RS specifications - in comparison to other subjects - has an impact on the teaching of the subject. It will mean that support resources, OAMs and specimen papers are likely to be late and this has an impact on teaching and learning. Some schools start teaching GCSE courses in May and the specifications may still be in draft form. This has implications for option choices, timetabling and staffing issues, preparation of materials for teaching and availability of resources for teaching. Welsh resources likely to follow even later than English resources.
Letters have been sent from Mary Parry to WJEC on behalf of Carmarthenshire SACRE regarding this delay in approval for RS specifications in comparison to other subjects. It asks for a delay in introduction to 2017. (see attached letter). She has also sent the same letter to Huw Lewis, Qualifications Wales and Estyn. Mark Campion at Estyn acknowledged the email and said that he would look into it.
WASACRE has also sent a letter to WJEC in a similar vein raising the issues and asking for a deferment of either both - or at least one - of the specifications.(see attached letter)
NAPfRE (national Advisory Panel for Wales sent a letter (see attached)
On the recommendation of the RE Consultant to SACRE - Vicky Thomas - secondary schools have been informed of the current situation regarding specifications and timescales out lined above.
RECOMMENDATION
For SACRE to note the report and an oral update will be given at the meeting if further news is received.
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GCSE RELIGIOUS STUDIES (Wales)
For teaching from 2016 For award from 2018
SUMMARY OF ASSESSMENT
Unit 1: Religious Responses to Philosophical Themes Written examination: 2 hours 50% of qualification 126 marks
Part A: Candidates must study two core beliefs/teachings and two practices of Christianity OR Catholic Christianity AND one other of the six main world religions*: Judaism OR Islam OR Hinduism OR Sikhism OR Buddhism *Candidates taking the Catholic Christianity option will study a further two beliefs/teachings and two practices from the Jewish perspective Part B: Candidates must also study the two philosophical themes (below) from the perspective of Christianity OR Catholic Christianity AND one other of the six main world religions*: Judaism OR Islam OR Hinduism OR Sikhism OR Buddhism Life and Death Good and Evil Candidates must also consider non-religious beliefs, such as those held by Humanists and Atheists (this will be explicitly assessed in the (e) question in the Life and Death theme) *Candidates taking the Catholic Christianity option will study both themes from the Catholic and Jewish perspectives.
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Unit 2: Religious responses to Ethical Themes Written examination: 2 hours 50% of qualification 126 marks
Part A: Candidates must study two core beliefs/teachings and two practices of Christianity AND one other of the six main world religions: Judaism OR Islam OR Hinduism OR Sikhism OR Buddhism Part B: Candidates must also study the two ethical themes (below) from the perspective of Christianity AND one other of the six main world religions: Judaism OR Islam OR Hinduism OR Sikhism OR Buddhism Relationships Human Rights Candidates must also consider non-religious beliefs, such as those held by Humanists and Atheists
Unit 3: Catholic responses to Ethical Themes Written examination: 2 hours 50% of qualification 126 marks
Part A: Candidates must study four core beliefs/teachings and four practices of Catholic Christianity. Part B: Candidates must study the two ethical themes (below) from the perspective of Catholic Christianity. Relationships Human Rights Candidates must also consider non-religious beliefs, such as those held by Humanists and Atheists
Candidates study two units. Candidates taking Unit 1 and Unit 2 will be entered for GCSE Religious Studies. Candidates taking Unit 1 and Unit 3 will be entered for GCSE Religious Studies (Catholic Theology and Judaism). This unitised qualification will be available in the summer series each year. There will be an opportunity to enter for Unit 1 in summer 2017. The full qualification will be awarded for the first time in summer 2018.
This draft summary provides an outline for the specification and sample assessment materials that are being developed for review by the regulator in Wales.
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Mr Gareth PierceChief ExecutiveWJECCardiff CF5 2YX
Dear Mr Pierce
I am writing on behalf of the National Advisory Panel for Religious Education. Most of our members have worked as RE advisors, but now support the SACREs in most of the local authorities in Wales as subject and curriculum specialists.
The teacher representatives at our recent SACRE meetings have expressed their concerns regarding the lack of documentation, resources and guidance to help them prepare new WJEC GCE A/AS Level and GCSE Religious Studies examinations which will be taught for the first time in September 2016 . We are writing to share those concerns with you and hope that you can provide us with answers or advice which will help them to prepare for the new specifications.
1. Schools are already advising Year 9 pupils on the GCSE options which will be available to them in Y10. Some schools have presumed that they can continue to offer, for example, a RS GCSE Specification B short course as an accredited course for the statutory Religious Education, and offer a RS GCSE Specification A as a full course for those pupils who want to study Religious Studies as a GCSE option. We are well aware of the success of the GCSE RS Syllabus B course in engaging our young people in religious studies.a. When will schools be advised that WJEC will provide only one GCSE Religious Studies Syllabus from
September 2016?b. What is your advice to schools regarding the timetabling of a GCSE RS short course as an accreditation
for the statutory Religious Education at KS4?
2. Many schools in Wales now begin the Y10 timetable in May. We understand that our teachers have not yet seen any specification, examination materials or assessment criteria to help them prepare for the new course. The training courses offered by the WJEC in March 2016 will give them very little time to prepare new teaching materials and assessment tasks and it’s unlikely that publishers and resource developers will be able to respond quickly in order to provide relevant bilingual resources.a. When will the revised WJEC syllabus be published (even in draft form) on the WJEC website?b. What bilingual resources will be available by May 2016 for those schools who choose to start teaching
the new specification with Year 10 after the Whitsun half term holiday?
3. Our RS A level teachers eagerly await the final version of the A/AS RS specification. Many are aware that they will have to teach compulsory elements which they have not taught before and are concerned that there will be little time to prepare new teaching materials and assessment tasks. In most of our school, the teachers will be trying to respond to new A/AS and GCSE specifications at the same time. Once again the lack of Welsh language resources is a matter of concern.a. When will the final accredited version of the syllabus be published on the WJEC website?b. What is your advice to teachers who are trying to resource and prepare for the new examination syllabus
through the medium of English and Welsh?
RS results are scrutinised at SACRE meetings annually and SACRE members regularly celebrate and congratulate the sustained success of many of our Religious Education departments. As NAPfRE members we are well aware of the extra commitment made by many of our secondary teachers in ensuring that their students achieve a GCSE RS qualification. They often deliver the course under considerable time constraints and students often have to attend lunch time and after-school lessons in order to complete the course.
We appreciate the good relationship that has been developed between schools and the WJEC and hope that you can address the concerns of our teachers and SACRE members. We look forward to receiving your reply.
Diolch yn fawrBethan JamesChair of NAPfRE
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Cadeirydd/Chairman:
Phil Lord
Ysgrifennydd/Secretary:
Libby Jones
4 Patten Close
Hawarden
Deeside
CH5 3TH
e-bost/e-mail: [email protected]
ffôn/ tel : 07795 097294
1 December 2015
Gareth Pierce
Chief Executive
WJEC
CARDIFF
CF5 2YY
Dear Sir
At the Wales Association of SACREs (WASACRE) meeting on 25/11/15 members (and teacher
members in particular) raised the issue of the current change to GCSE and GCE specifications.
WASACRE members welcome the efforts made by your subject officers to retain a unitised
approach at GCSE, the retention of a Short Course and the modular approach at AS to A level.
However, some real concerns were voiced not only about the proposed changes to the content of
the specifications but the pace at which implementation is projected to take place (September
2016).
Their concerns included the following:
1. Schools have been able to access through your website the A Level draft proposals, but
these are not available for GCSE. We understand that the proposed specifications will be
rolled out in a CPD programme in spring 2016. However, some schools begin the process
of teaching GCSE in the summer term and even if the syllabus has been accredited by
then it is an unrealistic expectation for teachers to work with this specification at such
short notice and with no support materials in place.
2. The current GCSE specifications A and B will be merged and teachers need to see the
detail of this so that they can assess the impact of this on teaching and learning and they
can make decisions about content and option choices.
3. At AS and A level there will be some major changes also, including the requirement to
teach Philosophy and Ethics. For some teachers this will be totally new and they will need
CPD, SAMs, assessment criteria and resource material to support them in their planning.
This needs to take place in a timely fashion and not be crammed into a short space of time
adding additional pressure upon teachers.
4. Each time new specifications are introduced resources and support materials are produced
after courses have started to be taught- and Welsh resources follow even later than this.
This has huge implications for teacher planning, teaching and assessing, but also
disadvantages pupils – especially pupils in Welsh medium, schools.
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5. There is concern that teachers will be under pressure to deliver both GCSE and GCE
specifications at the same time- with changes that are quite substantial to the current
specifications.
The Association request that you consider postponing implementation. We believe there are
three possibilities that will help to alleviate the pressure brought about by the change in GCSE
and GCE specifications.
1. Both GCSE and GCE specifications are delayed until September 2017 so that teachers can
be appropriately prepared and trained and support materials can be produced in both
English and Welsh.
2. To delay one of the specifications till September 2017 so that teachers are not expected to
take on GCSE and GCE simultaneously.
3. That finalised GCSE and GCE specifications- or certain units from them - are put up on
the WJEC website so that teachers can begin the planning process.
Finally I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your consideration of our concerns
and reassure you that that WASACRE supports WJEC and we are happy to work with you as we
have done so through regular dialogue with your Subject Officers who attend NAPfRE and
WASACRE meetings. We hope that such professional discussions will continue.
Yours faithfully,
Libby Jones
Secretary to WASACRE
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MERTHYR TYDFIL COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL
REPORT TO: STANDG ADVISORY COUNCIL FOR RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
INDATE: FEBRUARY 11th 2016
SUBJECT: NATIONAL CURRICULUM REVIEW AND ASSESSMENT
Background
On October 1st 2012 the Minister for Education and Skills, announced a review of assessment and the National Curriculum in Wales. Professor Graham Donaldson was tasked with conducting this review of key stages 1.-4. In February 2015 professor Donaldson brought out his report and recommendations in the document Successful Futures - Independent Review of Curriculum and Assessment Arrangements in Wales.
In that report Recommendation 9 stated: Religious education should form part of the Humanities Area of Learning and Experience, and should remain a statutory curriculum requirement from reception.
The Minister for Education and Skills has accepted this along with all of Professor Donaldson’s recommendations
In October 2015 a further document was issued called ‘A curriculum for Wales – a curriculum for life’ which is the plan for taking forward Professor Donaldson’s recommendations
Pioneer schools and stakeholders will have a say in the shape of the curriculum and they will set up a series of meetings to plan and discuss this. WASACRE will be a high level Stakeholder in the review implementation process through the Pioneer Network. The first meeting took place in December 2015 and some details from the minutes are below.
First stage for Curriculum Pioneers would be a high level definition of an Area of Learning and Experience framework.
Detail around content would follow on from this initial phase.
New Deal Pioneers would focus on the pedagogy and leadership needed to deliver the requirements of the new curriculum as it develops
Members queried the best process for getting research and evidence to the Pioneer schools and agreed that the Strategic Stakeholder Group would be the most appropriate forum for this- a call for evidence would form a regular part of meetings and members could submit written evidence to the Secretariat between meetings.
Next meeting of Stakeholders group is March 2016.
At its autumn meetings 2015 the National Advisory Panel for RE (NAPfRE) began the process of drawing up guidelines on What makes good RE for WASACRE representatives to submit to the pioneer network for consideration when working on the shape of the RE curriculum.
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Agenda Item 9
Recommendation:
SACRE to note and discuss the developments relating to the position of RE in the curriculum
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Welsh Government Documents
A curriculum for Wales – a curriculum for life (October 2015)A Curriculum for Wales, a curriculum for life, is Huw Lewis’ plan for taking forward Professor Graham Donaldson’s recommendations set out in Successful Futures. The ambition is for the new curriculum to be taught in schools and settings by 2021. A Curriculum for Wales, a curriculum for life, sets out the high level timeline for achieving this aim. It sets out the steps taken, working with the profession, to build a new national curriculum for Wales
Timeline Our ambition is to design, develop and realise our new curriculum within six years so that it can be available for first teaching in settings and schools by September 2021. Below we set out the high level key milestones to help us achieve our ambition together.
2015 2016 2017 2018 2021
Pioneer Network established by Jan 2016Design and Development phase of the new curriculum
Digital Competence Framework available
New Curriculum and assessment arrangements available
Practical support To schools to prepare for the new curriculum
New curriculum and assessment arrangements in place.
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1
Annex
List of Pioneer Schools – leading on curriculum design and development
School Name Region Sector
Abercynon Community Primary CSC Primary
Abertillery Primary School EAS Primary
Albert Primary School CSC Primary
Alun School GwE Secondary
Bishop Hedley Catholic High School CSC Secondary
Blackwood Comprehensive School EAS Secondary
Coed Eva Primary School EAS Primary
Crickhowell High School ERW Secondary
Crownbridge School EAS Special
Crynallt Primary School ERW Primary
Darran Park Primary School CSC Primary
Ebbw Fawr Learning Community EAS 3-16
Eveswell Primary School EAS Primary
Garnteg Primary School EAS Primary
Glan Usk Primary School EAS Primary
Gwyrosydd Primary School ERW Primary
Hawarden High School GwE Secondary
Hendredenny Park Primary School EAS Primary
Lewis School Pengam EAS Secondary
Llandybie Primary School ERW Primary
Llanrhidian Primary School ERW Primary
Llysfaen Primary School CSC Primary
Maesteg Comprehensive School CSC Secondary
Malpas Court Primary School EAS Primary
Malpas Park Primary School EAS Primary
Mount Street Junior School ERW Primary
Mount Stuart Primary School CSC Primary
Mynydd Cynffig Primary School CSC Primary
Parkland Primary School ERW Primary
Pencoed Comprehensive School CSC Secondary
Penllwyn Primary School EAS Primary
Pentrepoeth Primary School EAS Primary
Phillipstown Primary School EAS Primary
Plascrug Community Primary School ERW Primary
Pontarddulais Comprehensive School ERW Secondary
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2
Radnor Valley CP School ERW Primary
Rhydypenau Primary School CSC Primary
Shirenewton Primary School EAS Primary
St Cadoc’s Catholic Primary School CSC Primary
St Joseph’s Catholic and Anglican High School
GwE Secondary
St Joseph’s RC High School ERW Secondary
St Mary’s Catholic Primary School CSC Primary
St Philip Evans RC Primary School CSC Primary
The Hollies School CSC Special
Trallwn Primary School ERW Primary
Trellech Primary School EAS Primary
Whitchurch Primary School CSC Primary
Ysgol Babanod T. Gwynn Jones GwE Primary
Ysgol Bryn Gwalia GwE Primary
Ysgol Bryngwyn & Ysgol Glan-y-Môr ERW Secondary
Ysgol Clawdd Offa GwE Primary
Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni EAS Secondary
Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Myrddin ERW Secondary
Ysgol Gymraeg Sant Curig CSC Primary
Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Gwaen Cae Gurwen
ERW Primary
Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Lôn Las ERW Primary
Ysgol John Bright GwE Secondary
Ysgol Melyd GwE Primary
Ysgol O.M. Edwards GwE Primary
Ysgol Pen Coch GwE Special
Ysgol Pen y Bryn ERW Special
Ysgol Uwchradd Tywyn, Ysgol Ardudwy, Ysgol y Berwyn, Ysgol y Gader, Ysgol y Moelwyn
GwE Secondary
Ystruth Primary School EAS Primary
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3
List of Pioneer Schools – leading on the New Deal
School Name Region Sector
Blaenavon Heritage VC Primary School EAS Primary
Bryngwyn Comprehensive School ERW Secondary
Caldicot Comprehensive School EAS Secondary
Cardiff High School CSC Secondary
Cardinal Newman RC School CSC Secondary
Cefn Hengoed Community School ERW Secondary
Christchurch Primary School ERW Primary
Coedcae School ERW Secondary
Connahs Quay High School GwE Secondary
Cowbridge Comprehensive School CSC Secondary
Craig yr Hesg/Cefn Primary Fern Federation
CSC Primary
Crickhowell High School ERW Secondary
Cwmtawe Community School ERW Secondary
Duffryn High School EAS Secondary
Dwr-y-Felin Comprehensive School ERW Secondary
Ebbw Fawr Learning Community EAS 3-16
Eveswell Primary School EAS Primary
Ferndale Community School CSC Secondary
Flint High School GwE Secondary
George Street Primary School EAS Primary
Gilwern Primary School EAS Primary
Glan Usk, Primary School EAS Primary
Herbert Thompson Primary School CSC Primary
Heronsbridge Special School CSC Special
Langstone Primary School EAS Primary
Lewis School Pengam EAS Secondary
Llangattock Church in Wales School ERW Primary
Llanishen Fach Primary School CSC Primary
Maesteg School CSC Secondary
Millbrook Primary School EAS Primary
Oldcastle School CSC Primary
Pembroke Dock Community School ERW Primary
Penmaes School ERW Special
Pontarddulais Primary School ERW Primary
Priory Church in Wales School ERW Primary
Rhiw Syr Dafydd Primary School EAS Primary
Rhydypenau Primary School CSC Primary
Romilly Primary School CSC Primary Page 31
4
St Albans RC High School EAS Secondary
St Gwladys Bargoed Primary School EAS Primary
St Joseph’s RC High School EAS Secondary
St Julian’s Primary School EAS Primary
Stanwell Comprehensive School CSC Secondary
Treorchy Comprehensive School CSC Secondary
Y Pant School CSC Secondary
Ysgol Gynradd Aberteifi ERW Primary
Ysgol Bro Banw ERW Primary
Ysgol Bro Pedr ERW Secondary
Ysgol Bro Tryweryn GwE Primary
Ysgol Cynwyd Sant CSC Primary
Ysgol Dyffryn Ogwen GwE Secondary
Ysgol Eirias GwE Secondary
Ysgol Glan Gele GwE Primary
Ysgol Gwynedd GwE Primary
Ysgol Gyfun Bro Morgannwg CSC Secondary
Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni EAS Secondary
Ysgol Gyfun Gŵyr ERW Secondary
Ysgol Gymraeg Aberystwyth ERW Primary
Ysgol Gymraeg Castell Nedd ERW Primary
Ysgol John Bright GwE Secondary
Ysgol Manod GwE Primary
Ysgol O. M. Edwards GwE Primary
Ysgol Pen Coch GwE Special
Ysgol y Preseli ERW Secondary
Ysgol Y Strade ERW Secondary
Ysgolion Uwchradd Meirionnydd GwE Secondary
Ystrad Mynach Primary School EAS Primary
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Holocaust Memorial Day January 27th 2016
Events in Merthyr
Merthyr Libraries Writing Competition
Sian Anthony, Merthyr Libraries, is running a writing completion which will be offered to all schools in the borough. Adults will also be invited to enter. Service at St David’s Church, Merthyr
There will be a service at St David’s church, with a guest speaker, Dowlais Male choir will be singing plus some additional items. Testimony of a Holocaust Survivor
Harry Bibring a Kindertransport Holocaust Survivor will be telling his story at The Red House, 23rd February 2016 at 1.30pm. Tickets available from all Merthyr Libraries - free tickets - but limited.
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Agenda Item 10
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Cyfarfod Cymdeithas CYSAGau Cymru, Ebbw Vale, 25 Tachwedd 2015 (10.30am – 3pm)
Wales Association of SACREs meeting, Ebbw Vale, 25 November 2015 (10.30am – 3pm)
Minutes
Musical ensemble and children’s choir from Blaenau Gwent schools:- Blaenau Gwent Music Centre Guitar Ensemble- St Iltydd’s primary school choir
1. Cyflwyniad a chroeso / Introduction and welcome
New Chair, Phil Lord began the meeting by welcoming members to the General Offices in Blaenau Gwent and thanking the children for their musical welcome. Phil also thanked Gavin Craigen for the extensive work he had done for WASACRE during his many years’ service to the Association and explained to members that Gavin resigned as Chair of WASACRE this summer.
Lynnette Jones, Director of Education for Blaenau Gwent and Keren Bender, Chair of Blaenau Gwent SACRE made the official welcome to members and wished them well for an engaging and productive meeting.
Year 9 Pupils from Ebbw Fawr Learning Community Secondary Phase gave a presentation on why religious education lessons are important to them, and children from St Iltydd’s Primary School choir sang a thought provoking song called “Think before we speak”.
Following these introductions two moving tributes were paid to our colleagues and friends who had very sadly passed away this year. The first was to Ben Wigley, by Rheinallt Thomas and the second to Denize Morris, by Gill Vaisey. Following the two tributes members joined together in a minute silence.
2. Adfyfyrio tawel / Quiet reflection
Phil asked members to think of Ben and Denize’s contributions to WASACRE, the RE world in Wales, and beyond. He also asked members to consider their own contribution.
3. Ymddiheuriadau / Apologies
Tania ap Sion, Professor Leslie Francis, Helen Gibbon, David Kitchen
4. Cofnodion y cyfarfod a gynhaliwyd yn Yr Wyddgrug, 25 Mehefin 2015 / Minutes of meeting held in Mold, 25 June 2015
Minutes were accepted as a true record of the meeting.
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Agenda Item 11
5. Materion yn codi / Matters arising
Item 3. LJ confirmed that the thank you letter was sent to Tudor Thomas on his retirement from WJEC and that WASACRE has received a reply from Tudor.
Item 5. Welsh Baccalaureate. Concerns were raised again over the security of religious education in KS4 with the implementation of the statutory Welsh Baccalaureate qualification as a timetabled subject. Members were concerned that some schools are using RE time on the timetable to teach Welsh Bacc. A teacher representative at the meeting said that it is hard to make provision for core RE within the Welsh Bacc that meets statutory requirement and that it will be a challenge for any school or RE department who has to do this. Members at the meeting agreed that the situation needs to be carefully monitored.
Action: LJ will draft a letter before Christmas to SACRE Clerks to request information regarding what is happening in their local schools. A simple open ended survey will be attached which can be sent to each school to complete and return, making reference that SACRE’s were concerned about the timetabling issue and want to support schools.
Item 6. NAPfRE presentation by Mary Parry in March meeting. Gill Vaisey thanked Mary for sharing her work and for producing this useful resource and so generously making the CD Rom available to all secondary schools in Wales. Teachers are using it and it is working very well within RE schemes of work.
Item 9. EFTRE Conference. Phil Lord asked members present to feed information back to their own SACREs about the EFTRE conference which will take place on 31st Aug to 3rd September 2016. For more information regarding the conference, members were directed to the EFTRE Website.
Item 10. Religious Education guidance document. Gill is making good progress on this guidance and reminded members that the focus for it is on managing the right of withdrawal from religious education. Gill requests case studies from school/SACREsItem 10. AOB. Rheinallt Thomas confirmed that RE ideas is now in colour and is being sent to all SACRE Clerks. An open invitation was given to teachers for them to help with RE ideas. A teacher from Wrexham has helped this year. Rheinallt was able to confirm also that teachers are paid for their time and work.
6. Cyflwyniad NAPfRE/ NAPfRE presentation:
Archwilio Ffydd yn yr Ysgol Gynradd gan Liz Arthur gydag athrawes Ysgol gynradd o Flaenau Gwent/ Exploring Faith in the Primary School by Liz Arthur and Karen Fairburn from Ebbw Fawr Learning Community Primary Phase, in Blaenau Gwent
Ebbw Fawr Learning Community, Primary Phase, held a very successful RE and Art Week as part of the yearly programme of ‘subject weeks’. Throughout the week a number of guests from a range of faiths were invited in to school to meet and work with the children. The main objective of the week was for pupils to meet and interact with people of different faiths. A range of faith representatives and Christian denominations were represented. The children participated in a variety of activities throughout the week which were planned and delivered by the faith representatives with help from the teacher leading the week and also from Gill Vaisey, who provided some of the resources.
The responses from pupils at the end of the week included comments like, “That was really interesting Miss, it’s more exciting learning from a real person” and, “I really enjoyed meeting Mr Sharma, he was the best bit. He knew lots about the artefacts and how they are
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used”. The responses from staff at the end of the week included comments like, “Children loved it and asked sensible questions because they really did want to know more about the religion” and, “Interaction with the children was outstanding and I learnt an amazing amount about religions I didn’t know”.
Phil Lord thanked Liz Arthur and Karen Fairburn for sharing the presentation, which received lots of positive comments from the floor. Suggestions from members about how the week could be developed were: to include representatives from different denominations from the non-Christian faiths also; to ask parents to send their child in with a religious artefact for a display during the week and for the children to explain to each other what the artefact means to them and how it is used in their family, as part of an interfaith dialogue activity; to include references to the current RE Framework and levels of attainment for RE in the planning of the event.
7. Diweddariadau/Up-dates:
Cysylltiadau a chyfarfodydd Llywodraeth Cymru/ Welsh Government contacts and meetings – Libby Jones
Libby introduced David Sargent, the new Welsh Government contact who was present at the meeting. Members were up-dated on the discussions which took place during the meeting on 30 September with Welsh Government colleagues, Steve Price, John Pugsley (Curriculum Division) and Karen Cornish (Head of review implementation team). The main focus of the meeting was on The Curriculum Review, Successful Futures and SACREs, other items discussed included the Review of Annual SACRE Reports, which, it was confirmed, would remain at 3 year cycle, and Welsh Government requests for guidance information on collective worship and for information regarding the number of Humanists who are members on SACRE.
Mary Parry made members aware of NAPfRE’s plans to produce a description of what good religious education is and to offer this guidance document to Pioneer schools who are responsible for writing/developing the curriculum for RE or Humanities as part of the next stage of the review process.
CCB Cyngor Addysg Grefyddol a chyfathrebu cyffredinol/ Religious Education Council AGM and general communication– Gill Vaisey and Phil Lord
The AGM took place at Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, in London which included a report from the new Chair, Trevor Cooling and an address from Rudi Lockhart the new Chief Executive. Members were informed that all information shared at the AGM was specific to religious education in England only and in order to improve this situation Gill Vaisey, who represents WASACRE at REC meetings, has offered to send the appropriate information from Wales before each meeting if the CEO’s address is sent to her in advance as requested.Items on the Agenda included:
Young Ambassadors, which involved a video and presentation. 12 schools are currently involved in this initiative, including Ysgol Aberconwy from Wales. Gill Vaisey hoped that Phil Lord may be able to support the school as it was local to his area of work. An open invitation was offered to Faith groups to reach-out to the school ambassadors for RE, in order to support them and to receive support.
Reviewing the legal and wider policy framework for RE, which involved table discussions. Teacher Recruitment Campaign, for which a professional video was shown.
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Gill urged that it is worthwhile and important to continue to develop this relationship with the REC. Wales can support England as much as England can support Wales. Phil confirmed that Rudi Lockhart has already been in regular contact with him and is aware of what is happening in Wales.
Cyfarfod y Fforwm Ffydd/ Faith Forum meeting – Phil Lord
Phil Lord met with a number of faith group representatives from across Wales on Monday 23 November. Their main concern was what the Minister for Education and Skills had said in his recent speech regarding changing the name of RE etc. Phil has agreed to triangulate information with the representatives so that knowledge can be shared both ways.
Following this members raised some questions regarding the design of the new curriculum for RE and whether Ministers are fully aware of what RE is like today in Wales. Phil said that he would keep members up-dated’
Cynhadledd Addoli ar y Cyd / Collective Worship Conference - Gill Vaisey look at the PP.
Gill shared a PowerPoint presentation which summarised the main points covered at the conference and which is attached to the minutes as an appendix. Gill made members aware of a Report that was given out at the conference. A copy of the Report is available at: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/3ijyaknnt5cl9jx/AAC8PyypvTS9t-zxPsx_E2Vta?dl=0
Gill assured members that the report merely sets out the facts as they stand today and the aim of the Report is to stimulate fresh thinking on the subject of collective worship in schools. Action: LJ will arrange the meeting between Welsh Government colleagues, the academics leading this initiative and representatives from WASACRE.
8. Cyflwyniad NAPfRE / NAPfRE presentation:
Manylebau TGAU diwygiedig ar gyfer Astudiaethau Crefyddol/ Revised GCSE Specifications for Religious Studies- Lynda Maddock, WJEC
Lynda Maddock is the newly appointed Subject Officer for Religious Studies at WJEC. Her colleague Andrew Pearce is responsible for Religious Studies AS and A2 and Lynda directed those who have questions about AS or A2 to Andrew.
AS and A2: Lynda assured members that information on the current AS and A2 is available on the WJEC website and that in Wales the AS qualification can be standalone but also counts towards A Level if it is sat. Where as in England, the AS qualification is standalone only and does not count towards A level. The A level qualification in England is standalone.
Members were informed that Hodder are publishing books for the RS specification in England, but that nothing has been decided yet for Wales. WJEC have had to include non-religious beliefs in at least one part of the Religious Studies specification due to Humanist lobbying.
GCSE: WJEC have requested a year’s postponement for the new RE specification, but Qualifications Wales has rejected their request.
Lynda described the new specification for England explaining that it has relevance for Wales in as much as, there needs to be parity in the quality and standards of both qualifications to ensure fairness and equality for students in both countries.
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In Wales there will be one specification only and it will retain a unitised approach so that Year 10 pupils can still be entered for a Short Course after one year of study. It was confirmed that pupils can also sit just one Short Course exam (Either Unit 1 or Unit 2) at the end of the two years, or sit both Short Course exams (Unit 1 and Unit 2) to receive a Full Course qualification. It is hoped that Unit 1 will be similar to the current Spec B, and Unit 2 will be similar to the current Spec A.
Unit 1 is likely to include religious responses to philosophical issues, where students will be asked to choose two religions through which to study themes like, life & Death and Good & Evil. In addition to this students will study the core beliefs teachings and practices of two religions.
Unit 2 is likely to include religious responses to Ethical issues, where students will be asked to choose two religions through which to study themes like, Relationships, and Human Rights. In addition to this students will study the core beliefs teachings and practices of two religions.
It is most likely that Christianity will be made the compulsory religion for this specification and students will be required to choose one other religion to study. Both Units will make a full course and only one Unit will make a short course
Other information included the following: Catholic Schools will do 75% Catholicism and 25% Judaism and the title of the course will reflect this; There will be no course work for the RS GCSE; The revised specifications and sample assessment material are due to go to Qualifications Wales on 18 December and it is hoped that the final draft will be ready in time for the WJEC Inset for teachers in the spring.
SACREs are invited to write to the Chief Exec of WJEC to voice any concerns that they have.Action: LJ will write to WJEC to voice WASACRE’s concerns including a request to delay the specification for one year and to request information about Unit one to go on the website in January, to help teachers with their planning. LJ will send a copy of the letter to SACRE Clerks before Christmas.
Phil Thanked Lynda for her presentation and assured those present that WASACRE will continue to support and work with WJEC.
9. Adolygiad Cwricwlwm / Curriculum Review- Libby Jones
A written up-date on this item is attached to the minutes as an appendix.
Bethan James, Chair of NAPfRE thanked Phil for representing WASACRE (and NAPfRE) and requested a brief written up-date for SACREs from that meeting in Decemeber in order to help colleagues answer any questions they receive from teachers. Phil Agreed to do this. Adroddiad ar gyfarfod y Pwyllgor Gwaith a gynhaliwyd ar 30 Medi 2015 / Report from the Executive Committee held on 30 September 2015
The report was accepted and agreed as accurate.
10. Gohebiaeth /Correspondence
Libby shared a number of letters and emails as correspondence, most of which had already been dealt with in the meeting.
11. U.F.A. / A.O.B.
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12. Dyddiad y cyfarfod nesaf / Date for next meeting: 8 Mawrth 2016, Sir Benfro / 8 March 2016, Pembrokeshire
Dyddiadau cyfarfodydd yn y dyfodol / Future meeting dates:
Haf / Summer 23/6/ 2016 Sir Ddinbych / Denbighshire; Hydref / Autumn 18/11/2016 Sir Gaerfyrddin / Carmarthenshire; Gwanwyn / Spring 2017 Sir Fynwy / Monmouthshire.
Thanks to Clerk Emma Bailey and Manager of the General Offices, Lisa Osborne, Alan Williams, the School Improvement officer who arranged the music, and Stephan the Translator.
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