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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting of Conwy SAC(RE) held on 15 July 2024 be approved as a correct record.
RESOLVED: That a letter be sent from Conwy SAC(RE) to Qualifications Wales highlighting concerns in respect of the new Religious Studies GCSE.
RESOLVED: That the presentation on Initial Teacher Training and the National Centre of Religious Education for Wales be noted.
RESOLVED: That the Conwy SAC(RE) Annual report 2023/204 be approved.
RESOLVED: That the Religious Education Consultant and the infant class teacher representative finalise the Conwy SACRE leaflet and circulate to Conwy SAC(RE) Members for comment, prior to it being shared with schools.
RESOLVED: That the Chair, Vice-Chair, Religious Education Consultant and the infant class teacher representative discuss next steps in implementing actions from the Conwy SAC(RE) Strategic Management Plan.
RESOLVED: That it be recommended to Council that the above changes be made to the Conwy SAC(RE) constitution.
It was proposed and seconded that Roger Boon be appointed as Chair of the Conwy SAC(RE) for 2024-2025. RESOLVED: That Roger Boon be re-appointed as Chair of the Conwy SAC(RE) for 2024-2025.
It was proposed and seconded that Sam Erlandson be appointed as Vice-Chair of the Conwy SAC(RE) for 2024-2025. RESOLVED: That Sam Erlandson be re-appointed as Vice-Chair of the Conwy SAC(RE) for 2024-2025.
Apologies for absence were received from Dr Lowri Brown (Head of Education Services), Janine Tenant Jones (Teacher – Special School) and Colette Owen (Roman Catholic).
None.
None.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting of Conwy SAC(RE) held on 15 July 2024 be approved as a correct record.
The minutes of the meeting of Conwy SAC(RE) held on 15 July 2024 were submitted for approval. RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting of Conwy SAC(RE) held on 15 July 2024 be approved as a correct record.
Implications for Wales in relation to the English Teacher Training bursary The Religious Education (RE) Consultant advised that following some research, the Welsh Government (WG) had concluded that, whilst the training bursary enticed greater numbers to sign up for a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) many failed to complete the course, or did not enter into the profession. The WG were therefore considering how recruitment could be improved, especially in relation to initial teacher training. Youth Consultation progress The RE Consultant had attended a Youth Council meeting. Consideration would be given to the most effective method of circulating a Youth Council questionnaire. The Youth Council would consider the results of the questionnaire and any actions to be implemented. Holocaust teaching materials Following the request from the Jewish History Association to publicise their holocaust teaching materials, it had been agreed to do so providing it was accompanied by a balanced view of the history leading to the current situation in Palestine. The Chair advised that Christian Aid had produced a video entitled “Tinderbox” comprising of balanced views which would be a useful resource for schools. Conwy SAC(RE) would now recommend the use of both sets of resources as a package. Meeting with the Governor Association and supporting article production The Chair advised that the RE Consultant would work alongside the Governor Support Officer and that a leaflet outlining the purpose and work of SAC(RE) which could be shared with Governors was in the process of being produced. A proposal had been put forward for a Governor Association representative on Conwy SAC(RE) and the Head of Education Services had sought expressions of interest. The following was discussed: · The Education Improvement Service Manager advised that the Governor Association had not yet met this school year due to a review of the constitution. It was hoped that the first meeting would take place soon. · It was requested that Religion Values and Ethics be included as an agenda item. · The RE Consultant would attend a future meeting of the Governor Association and provide a presentation on the work of Conwy SAC(RE). Teacher network progress and feedback The RE Consultant had met with the primary school teacher representative (Hayley Jones) to discuss the promotion of Conwy SAC(RE). It was hoped that setting meeting dates in advance for the Teacher network for 2024/2025 would improve attendance. Examples of planning and work in respect of Religion, Values and Ethics (RVE) would be uploaded to the Teams network, which was being promoted across all school clusters. The following was discussed: · Future staffing models should be considered, especially due to changes in structure brought about by the new curriculum. · As RVE was integrated into the humanities area of learning, it was difficult to monitor progress. · It was confirmed that staffing for RVE within primary schools was not a concern and that several secondary schools had appointed additional specialists.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That a letter be sent from Conwy SAC(RE) to Qualifications Wales highlighting concerns in respect of the new Religious Studies GCSE.
The Religious Education (RE) Consultant presented the draft specification for the Religious Studies GSCE, which would be introduced in September 2025. • The GCSE would comprise of four units, which would include coursework to be assessed by teachers. • No short course would be available. • There was a great deal of content within the GCSE which could be overwhelming. The following was discussed: · AGORED would continue to offer their qualification until the new GCSE was in place. It was hoped that AGORED would also submit a bid to offer Religion Values and Ethics (RVE) units for schools. · The Secondary Headteacher representative (Karl Lawson) advised that he had raised concerns with WJEC, in respect of the proposed GCSE, as it was not comparable to other GCSE’s in terms of workload, which would inevitably impact on take-up. - The National Centre of Religious Education for Wales (NCREW) had also raised concerns as the new GCSE did not reflect how RE was taught at university. - Concerns had been raised in respect of there being no short course. - Many decisions were taken by Qualifications Wales and therefore concerns should also be raised with them. - It was suggested that Conwy SAC(RE) raise their concerns with WJEC/Qualifications Wales. · The English branch of WJEC, Eduquas, offered a more accessible course with less content. · Concern was raised in respect of translating resources and training staff prior to implementation of the GCSE in 2025. RESOLVED: That a letter be sent from Conwy SAC(RE) to Qualifications Wales highlighting concerns in respect of the new Religious Studies GCSE.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the presentation on Initial Teacher Training and the National Centre of Religious Education for Wales be noted.
Joshua Andrews (Director - National Centre of Religious Education for Wales (NCREW)) provided Conwy SAC(RE) with a presentation. The following points were highlighted: • NCREW was a resource centre for schools. • New Directors had been appointed in 2020. • A suite of support for teachers had been developed. • Learning resources had been developed in conjunction with teachers in respect of themes surrounding pacifism. • An annual A-level conference had been established in South Wales, which included lectures and interactive workshops and it was hoped that a similar event could be held in North Wales. • New resources were being created in respect of the Church in Wales and workshops would be held during 2025. • Professional learning for teachers in respect of world views was in development. • A mentoring system was being considered for non-specialist teachers teaching Religion, Values and Ethics (RVE). • Research in respect of how RVE was being taught in schools. The following was discussed: • The excellent work of NCREW and the availability of resources was acknowledged. • The need to maximise access to resources for teachers. • Ysgol John Bright volunteered to host the North Wales A-level conference. • In order to address gaps in local knowledge, NCREW were creating a map of local areas showing religious history and religion practiced in the area. - A panel made up of religious and world view representatives was being established and pupils would be given the opportunity to join a zoom meeting to question the panel. • A summary of support offered by NCREW would be included within the Conwy SAC(RE) newsletter and shared with the Teacher network. • Contact was being made with schools in order to establish how mandatory RVE requirements were being met and an update would be provided to Conwy SAC(RE). • The Religious Education (RE) Consultant had met with secondary Headteachers to discuss feedback on collective worship. The results would be shared with NCREW. • Concern was expressed that the GCSE was a religious studies course and therefore did not fit in with the underlying philosophy of RVE in key stages 1, 2 and 3 • The Chair would provide NCREW with a list of local Church leaders. RESOLVED: That the presentation on Initial Teacher Training and the National Centre of Religious Education for Wales be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the Conwy SAC(RE) Annual report 2023/204 be approved.
The Chair presented the Conwy SAC(RE) Annual report for 2023/2024. The importance of the Conwy SAC(RE) Strategic Plan was emphasised along with the progress made in improving collaborative working with the Local Authority. The Covid-19 pandemic had impacted the speed in which plans had been implement along with the considerable change in the new Welsh National Curriculum. Thanks were extended to the Chair and Religious Education (RE) Consultant for the comprehensive report. The following was discussed: • As the Chair was looking to relocate during the next 12 months it was suggested that a new strategic plan be developed in order to establish a new vision for the next three years. - The Chair, Vice Chair, RE Consultant and Primary School Teacher representative would meet to begin developing a new Conwy SAC(RE) strategic plan. • In respect of evaluating the work of Conwy SAC(RE), a strategic framework was in place. • The RE Consultant was working with the Education Improvement Service and it was suggested that at least one Member of the Education and Skills Overview and Scrutiny Committee would also be a member of Conwy SAC(RE). RESOLVED: That the Conwy SAC(RE) Annual report 2023/204 be approved.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the Religious Education Consultant and the infant class teacher representative finalise the Conwy SACRE leaflet and circulate to Conwy SAC(RE) Members for comment, prior to it being shared with schools.
The Religious Education (RE) advisor shared an example of a digital leaflet on the work of Conwy SAC(RE), which included links to minutes and meetings and the Annual report. Once finalised, the leaflet would be shared with Conwy schools. The following was discussed: • It was suggested that SAC(RE) be included in full within the heading of the leaflet. • It was also suggested that photographs of secondary school pupils be included as well as primary school pupils. RESOLVED: That the Religious Education Consultant and the infant class teacher representative finalise the Conwy SACRE leaflet and circulate to Conwy SAC(RE) Members for comment, prior to it being shared with schools.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the Chair, Vice-Chair, Religious Education Consultant and the infant class teacher representative discuss next steps in implementing actions from the Conwy SAC(RE) Strategic Management Plan.
The Chair presented the Conwy SAC(RE) Strategic Management Plan. RESOLVED: That the Chair, Vice-Chair, Religious Education Consultant and the infant class teacher representative discuss next steps in implementing actions from the Conwy SAC(RE) Strategic Management Plan.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That it be recommended to Council that the above changes be made to the Conwy SAC(RE) constitution.
The Chair presented proposed changes to the Conwy SAC(RE) constitution. Following suggestions that reference should not be made to specific branches of Churches Together in Wales (CYTUN) and that a School Governor Association representative be included as a member of Conwy SAC(RE), the proposed changes were summarised as follows: · The provision of a highly qualified Religious Education specialist to advise Conwy SAC(RE). · That all SAC(RE) and Agreed Syllabus Conference meetings take place in line with the Council’s Multi-Location Policy. · Include reference to Conwy SAC(RE) being a member of the Welsh national body of SACRES. (WASACRE) · That some of the political representatives on Conwy SAC(RE) be members of the Education and Skills Overview and Scrutiny Committee. · That a School Governor Association representative be included as a Member of Conwy SAC(RE). · That, in line with legislation, a non-religious Humanist representative, endorsed by the British Humanists Association, be offered a place on Conwy SAC(RE) as a member of the Religious Representatives group. · That a representative of each Conwy County Churches Together Wales (CYTUN) branch be included as part of the membership for Conwy SAC(RE). · That an Education Improvement Service representative and a Religion, Values and Ethics specialist be included as members of Conwy SAC(RE). · That Head teachers would provide specialist advice from within their schools when called upon. · That changes in nomenclature as a result of the introduction of the new Welsh National Curriculum e.g. RE to RVE and the arrangements surrounding it be incorporated. RESOLVED: That it be recommended to Council that the above changes be made to the Conwy SAC(RE) constitution.
(Note: at this point the meeting became inquorate and therefore the following items were noted only) Example Policy The Religious Education (RE) Advisor presented the Draft Collective Worship Policy. The Policy had been drafted using ESTYN guidance. The RE Consultant had met with the Secondary Headteacher group outlining the approach in the draft policy which had been well received. The following was discussed: • Current school policies would be discussed within the Teacher network. • Welsh Humanists had questioned the broad definitions within the policy. • The working definition should not be too precise, so that it could be adapted for different settings and themes. • It was suggested that Religion, Values and Ethics (RVE) and Collective Worship be kept separate as the right of withdrawal only applied to Collective Worship. • It was suggested that reference to a divine being or power be included within the Christian values used as a basis for assemblies. • Conwy SAC(RE) Members would contact the RE Consultant prior to the next meeting with feedback and suggestions in respect of the draft policy. Collective worship materials • Collective worship materials, which were endorsed at the last meeting of Conwy SAC(RE) would be shared via the teacher network. Collective worship monitoring • Prompts for monitoring collective worship would be discussed with the teacher network.
Part of an issue followed across 4 meetings
The Chair advised that the Wales Association of Standing Advisory Councils for Religious Education (WASACRE) conference held on 13 June, 2024 had been informative. Workshops on the new curriculum had been delivered and there was a recognition that the new curriculum had been challenging for teachers. The Chair, Vice-Chair, Religious Education Consultant and the English Presbyterian Church representative would attend the next meeting of WASACRE on 14 November, 2024.
The Religious Education (RE) Consultant shared the RE Hubs website, which included links to materials and a calendar of events. A link would be included within the next Conwy SAC(RE) newsletter. In addition, the Education Services Improvement Manager would enquire as to whether the link could be included within the schools newsletter.
The next meeting of Conwy SAC(RE) would be arranged for February 2025.
Councillors must say when they have a personal link to something being discussed, such as a job, a property or a family member. A prejudicial interest is one strong enough that the councillor usually leaves the room and takes no part.
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