Agenda item

The Operational Panel for Schools' SACRE - Terms of Reference and Action Plan 2020/22

  To present the School SACRE Executive Panel’s Terms of Reference.

 

  To receive an update on the SACRE’s Action Plan 2020/22.

Minutes:

The RE Advisor reported that an Operational Panel for Schools’ SACRE has been established to assist the SACRE in monitoring RE in schools.  The Panel consists of seven teacher representatives from the primary and secondary sector, three of whom are SACRE members. The RE Advisor is looking into whether two members of the Panel from the primary sector, Mr Rhys Hearn and Ms Elin Owen can become non-church teacher representatives on the SACRE.

 

The Panel’s Terms of Reference and Action Plan 2020/22 were presented before the SACRE for consideration.

 

Discussion focused on whether the Panel should review schools’ self-evaluation reports, then report back to the SACRE.  The SACRE agreed to the proposal.

 

It was noted that the Panel’s role is to encourage the sharing of good practice between schools, thus raising the SACRE and the Panel’s profile in schools, as well as for monitoring purposes.  The RE Advisor and Clerk to the SACRE will provide guidance to the Panel and present new information and updates from WASACRE, Welsh Government, Estyn, and schools’ self-evaluation reports.

 

The SACRE agreed that the Panel’s input is a positive way forward to expand on the SACRE’s knowledge and understanding of the work undertaken in schools, and will provide an insight into what is happening between meetings, particularly in relation to the new curriculum.  The RE Advisor reported that she has secured funding for the Panel’s teacher representatives to be released from duties.

 

The RE Advisor reported that the Panel’s first meeting was purposeful with regard to RE and the Humanities Area of Learning and Experience (AoLE) in the new Curriculum for Wales.  It was confirmed that the Panel’s next meeting will be held in March, when the Panel will review the new Framework for RE and schools’ self-evaluation reports, and report back to the SACRE on their findings.

 

Discussion focused on the need for teachers to have continuity in the transition between the primary and secondary sector.  As the new Curriculum for Wales is relevant to pupils from ages 3 to 16 years, secondary school teachers need to be aware of the level of work that has been completed in primary schools.  It was noted that good communication is essential between staff who will be delivering the Curriculum for Wales.

 

It was noted that St Mary’s Catholic School, Holyhead has a different reporting process for RE, and is not represented on the Operational Panel for Schools’ SACRE.  It was suggested that the Clerk to the SACRE contacts Mr Richard Jones, the Head teacher, to ask whether Mr Jones would consider becoming a member of the Panel.

 

RESOLVED:-

 

  To accept the Operational Panel for Schools’ SACRE’s Terms of Reference as presented.

  To agree that the Operational Panel reviews schools’ self-evaluation reports, and presents its observations to the SACRE.

  That the Clerk to the SACRE writes to Mr Richard Jones, the Head Teacher of St Mary’s School, Holyhead, to invite him to join the Operational Panel for Schools’ SACRE.

 

Copies of the SACRE’s Action Plan were shared at the meeting.  The RE Advisor reported that the Action Plan will be part of the Education Department’s Business Plan, and will be monitored.  With regard to the three priorities in the Action Plan, the following points were noted:-

 

  The Panel will need to establish whether all schools participate in RE and Collective Worship.  

  The Panel will bring about positive changes by discussing RE matters within the Humanities Area of Learning and Experience (AoLE) and Health and Well-being as part of the new curriculum, in common with a strong RE framework. 

  It was noted that secondary teachers are proficient in RE, and can plan for the new curriculum with increased confidence when working jointly with the primary sector.  

  It was suggested that a platform be created to share good practice and resources in RE and collective worship within Addysg Môn.

 

RESOLVED to note and accept the recommendations in the SACRE’s draft Action Plan 2020-2022.

Supporting documents: