Agenda item

·         NASACRE – Notes of the AGM 2016 – Shaping the Future

·         Secondary Cluster Meeting (KS)

·         Primary Cluster Meeting (KS)

·         Learn, Teach, Lead RE: To receive a presentation from Ed Pawson – Project Director - South West

·         Making May Matter

NASACRE AGM 2016 – Shaping the Future

The SACRE received a report from Mr Derek Jay, South Gloucester SACRE on the NASACRE AGM held at Central Hall, Westminster, London on 17^th May 2016.

Keynote speakers included The Rt Hon Baroness Elizabeth Butler Sloss GBE and Professor Alan Dinham.

Secondary Cluster Meetings

The SACRE noted that a secondary cluster meeting was held on 19^th May 2016 when 6 schools attended and considered the new Religious Education GCSE requirements and new Humanism materials.

Primary Cluster Meetings

The SACRE noted that 7 schools attended the recent primary cluster meeting, which considered subject specialism in Christianity and materials that could be used to teach Humanism.

Learn, Teach Lead RE

The SACRE welcome Mr Ed Pawson, Programme Director for Learn, Teach, Lead RE for the South West region and Mrs Emma McCarthy, Primary Hub leader for Swindon.

Mr Pawson spoke about his role as a SACRE Advisor to both Torbay and Devon Councils and the benefits of Religious Education (RE) teachers networking with other RE teachers in their area.  He reminded the SACRE that the Learn, Teach Lead RE project aimed to support all teachers of RE irrespective of their experience or qualifications through practical support at hub meetings and the opportunity to participate in projects that developed their teaching skills and the learning experiences of those they teach. A successful project was running in the Devon / Cornwall area and this model was being replicated for the Taunton / Swindon area.

The SACRE noted that Mrs McCarthy had been appointed as the Primary Hub Leader for Swindon. Mrs McCarthy highlighted the main aspects of her role, in particular to identify unmet needs in relation to the teaching of RE and support the development of the project to improve the quality of teaching and learning outcomes and leadership. She explained that Hub Leaders received 2 days training each year to help them in their role. There were 7 RE Hubs in the South West of England with discussions taking place about potential for an additional Hub in Chippenham. A successful Annual Conference was held in early July 2016 where about 60 teachers attended.  

Mrs McCarthy commented on the exciting opportunity to act as Hub leader and that it was her desire to enthuse and inspire the next generation of primary and secondary RE teachers. She responded to a number of queries in relation to the implications of her role as Hub leader in working with school Governors and the opportunities for teachers to be involved with Learn, Teach, Lead RE.

Ms Katy Staples, SACRE Advisor, explained that she would be working closely with Mrs McCarthy in launching the first Hub meeting on 17^th November 2016 and that Mrs McCarthy would be involved in the implementation of the new Agreed Syllabus. The SACRE noted that it was very important to build strong relationships and the need to build bridges between primary and secondary RE teachers.

The SACRE Advisor also commented on additional funding for Learn, Teach, Lead RE from the St Matthias Trust and Bristol University. 

Mrs McCarthy agreed to inform the SACRE of future Hub meetings in Swindon.

Making May Matter

The SACRE Advisor reminded members about the Making May Matter initiative which aimed to raise the profile of Religious Education and help schools celebrate great RE.

Members noted that a number of successful events were held during May and June 2016 at Commonweal School, Peatmoor Primary School and Isambard Community School.