What is the Commission on RE? Religion and Worldviews: The Way Forward What is the Commission on RE? How can I get involved? What does it recommend?

What is the Commission on RE? Launched in July 2016 by the REC Made up of 14 commissioners chaired by Rev Dr John Hall, Dean of Westminster.  Ultimate aim to improve the quality and rigour of religious education and its capacity to prepare pupils for life in modern Britain. Final report published in September 2018: ‘Religion and Worldviews: the way forward, a national plan for RE’ https://www.commissiononre.org.uk/

Why was the Commission formed? ‘RE needs rejuvenating if it is to continue to make its important contribution’ (John Hall, Foreword) Pupils encounter a more diverse range of religions and worldviews in today’s society including connections through social media the quality of RE is not consistent nationally the educational landscape has changed and the existing legal arrangements need to be reconsidered in the light of increased academisation

A National Plan for RE The Commission’s National Plan has 3 dimensions: 1) A new vision: the subject renamed as Religion and Worldviews; a multidimensional exploration of religious and non-religious worldviews and their impact on individuals and the world. 2) A statutory National Entitlement ensures that all pupils have access to high quality teaching, whichever school they attend. Some current provision is good but this is not always the case. 3) Significant government investment is required to support the National Plan, focussing on specialist teachers and an enlarged role for SACREs.

What does the Report Recommend? 11 Recommendations Covering policy, legislation, SACREs, curriculum design and a reshaped purpose for Religion and Worldviews studies Envisioned as applying to all publicly funded schools and recommended for independent schools Some can be achieved through grassroots changes, some will require changes to the law surrounding RE

Recommendations 1-4 2: National Entitlement to Religion and Worldviews to become statutory in all publicly-funded schools This will ensure national consistency and quality 1: The subject should be re-named Religion and Worldviews This gives a fresh identity reflecting the subject’s enlarged scope 3: National Programmes of Study to be created by a body of professional educators Such a programme would bring RE in line with other subjects and ensure consistent quality 4: SACREs no longer produce the locally Agreed Syllabus SACREs will support local teachers but not create the curriculum

Recommendations 5-7 5: Policy reform concerning academic and vocational qualifications to take the National Entitlement into consideration. The National Entitlement and new identity of Religion and Worldviews should inform any future developments of the subject 6: ITE teachers able to teach to the National Entitlement, at all phases. This requires an increase in training time at ITE. Currently not enough time is given. 7: Funding allocated for teachers to understand and teach the National Entitlement. Significant funding for teachers’ CPD to be provided by government.

Recommendations 8-11 9: Ofsted to hold schools accountable for meeting National Entitlement Non compliance should be penalised. 8: SACREs to be re-named Local Advisory Networks. A rebranding of SACREs to widen their representation, strengthen their capacity and maintain links with local religion and worldviews 10. DfE to consider the impact on Religion and Worldviews of education reforms. DfE to be avoid performance measures which marginalise Religion and worldviews 11. Right of withdrawal to remain, but to be further considered. To be reviews in light of curriculum changes.

What’s Next…? Look out for phased developments: PHASE 1  Report published PHASE 2  curriculum research, design and planning; what support and understanding is needed? PHASE 3  policy changes PHASE 4  ongoing implementation and support The link below will show you how to: Write to your Headteacher/ governors about the report Write to your MP about the report Download and share information leaflet Go to https://www.commissiononre.org.uk/what-can-you-do-to-support-the-national-plan-for-re/ to find out how to get involved…