To receive a presentation by Dr Gareth Evans-Jones on the work of the Welsh National Centre for Religious Education.
Minutes:
Dr Gareth Evans-Jones gave a presentation on the National Centre for RE, which has been supporting teachers and RE since the 1970s. He reported that together with Mrs Mefys Jones-Edwards, he was a part of a team who relaunched the Centre in the National Eisteddfod in 2023. The Centre now represents many different religions and faiths and works to promote education related to those faiths.
The Centre offers many opportunities to engage with schools and faith organisations, which are all free. Recent events include the following: -
• An Easter School was held offering revision sessions for pupils studying
GCSE’s and A Levels.
• A conference was held in a Carmarthenshire College, which was attended
by learners from 7 schools.
• The Vicar of the Anglican Church in Trawsfynydd gave a talk at the Centre,
which was attended by 4 schools who joined virtually.
• The Centre has worked with Cardiff University on the Holocaust, where a
virtual panel discussed remembering the Holocaust in a digital age. Points
raised included whether it is acceptable to use holograms and AI to discuss
the Holocaust.
It was noted that the Centre shares information about different thinkers, philosophers and theorists on Instagram. During black history month, information on important black religious figures is posted on Instagram, which link to the opportunities offered by the Curriculum for Wales in creating wider diversity.
On Earth Day quotes are published by different environmentalists. A representative from the Centre is involved in the Peace in Education Project, which was held in the Llangollen Eisteddfod.
The aim of the Centre is to continue to support teachers across Wales and support RE. In addition, the Centre is working with Welsh Government on advisory roles and faith and worldviews establishments. Discussions have also taken place on ways for closer collaboration with the SAC.
Mrs Mefys Jones-Edwards reported that the staff at the Centre have been very helpful in offering support to Anglesey schools, Ysgol Syr Thomas Jones specifically. She stated that secondary school teachers appreciate the support and training sessions that are offered to schools, which are delivered in a fun way. It was noted that the Centre provides excellent resources, which YSTJ pupils have benefitted from by attending sessions. The teacher thanked Mr Evans-Jones and his staff for their work.
A question was raised on how non-religious values are linked with the Centre’s work in a positive way? Dr Evans-Jones responded that the staff at the Centre work closely with Humanists UK and have a healthy relationship with the organisation. He stated that the Centre acknowledges and incorporates non-religious worldviews into their work, as an integral part of the New Curriculum. It was noted that a Humanist representative will attend the Interfaith Panel Day at Bangor University on 13 November 2024, where lesser worldviews will also be represented.
A question was raised as to whether the Centre was involved in teaching contextual theology at degree or postgraduate level? Dr Evans-Jones responded that he lectures in Theology and Comparative Theology in the Philosophy, Ethics and Religion Department of Bangor University. He stated that the subjects are so diverse that they enable lecturers to align with the new Curriculum for Wales. He stated that this year he is teaching Christian Theologies in the Modern World. Next year, he will be teaching Humanism, and the following year Paganism in the post-modern world.
A question was raised as to whether there are any projects on the theme of Peace in Education, or whether the children do artwork on the topic? Dr Evans-Jones reported that there has been a Peace in Education Project specifically for pupils in Year 7, 8 and 9. He stated that he would like to expand the project with the Peace Academy for Wales and would take the proposal to the Centre’s Board members. It would enable schools to engage with the community and the whole Island to ensure that learners can reflect on the theme in a creative manner.
The Chair thanked Mr Gareth Evans-Jones for his informative overview of the Centre’s work and what it has to offer, which is a very useful resource for Anglesey schools.
RESOLVED to note the information presented.