Issue - meetings

RESOLVED:

That the 2017 revised Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education in Surrey be adopted.

Reason for Decision:

There had been a number of significant changes in curriculum delivery, content and in guidance from the Department of Education since the existing syllabus was adopted, rendering it no longer fit for purpose. There had been a complete review of the content by qualified teachers and the Advisor to the SACRE and the revised syllabus could now be recommended for adoption by schools in September 2017. The action being proposed will have benefits for the residents of Surrey in as much as teachers will be able to begin a new academic year by teaching a more relevant RE curriculum that complies with national guidance, prepares young people well for examination courses in RE, and more accurately reflects the values and beliefs of citizens in this country.

[The decisions on this item can be called in by the Children and Education Select Committee]

The Cabinet Member for Education introduced the report that explained that the Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education (RE) must be reviewed by the local Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) at least every five years.

She explained how RE encourages understanding of different faiths and from understanding comes deeper tolerance and sensitivity. In the prevention of radicalisation, the idea that one’s beliefs are understood and acknowledged has an important part to play. In this context the work of SACRE was very important.  She thanked County Councillors Colin Kemp, Mike Goodman and Keith Taylor as well as Margaret Hicks (retired) who were on SACRE and worked on the syllabus.

The key changes to the syllabus were outlined on page 68 of the agenda which were all practical changes to ensure a flow through the education system giving coherence and logical flow being essential if children were to have a clear understanding of the beliefs of others and to succeed in the examination system.

The new syllabus must be adopted formally by the County Council before it is recommended to Surrey schools.

The resolution was unanimous.

RESOLVED:

That the 2017 revised Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education in Surrey be adopted.

Reason for Decision:

There had been a number of significant changes in curriculum delivery, content and in guidance from the Department of Education since the existing syllabus was adopted, rendering it no longer fit for purpose. There had been a complete review of the content by qualified teachers and the Advisor to the SACRE and the revised syllabus could now be recommended for adoption by schools in September 2017. The action being proposed will have benefits for the residents of Surrey in as much as teachers will be able to begin a new academic year by teaching a more relevant RE curriculum that complies with national guidance, prepares young people well for examination courses in RE, and more accurately reflects the values and beliefs of citizens in this country.