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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
AGREED, subject to the foregoing, that the notes of the meeting held on 4th December, 2024 be accepted as presented.
The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and the following apologies for absence were reported:- Mrs. C. Abbas – Bahá'í Faith Ms. Kathy Riddick – Wales Humanists Ceri Jayne – NASUWT
Decision as recorded
AGREED, subject to the foregoing, that the notes of the meeting held on 4th December, 2024 be accepted as presented.
Cath Knowlson confirmed that she represented the NAHT and not the NASUWT as reported in the notes. It was AGREED, subject to the foregoing, that the notes of the meeting held on 4th December, 2024 be accepted as presented.
At the invitation of the Chair, the RE Coordinator for St. Joseph’s Primary School gave a presentation on the Religious Education Directory (RED) which guided Catholic schools in England and Wales to ensure the RE curriculum aligned with the teachings of the Catholic Church, and encouraged the development of critical thinking, imagination and the ability to relate faith to daily life. The ‘To Know You More Clearly’ RED would become statutory for all Catholic schools in England and Wales from September 2026. This new programme replaced the previous one and was designed for 3-19 in Catholic settings, offering a model curriculum. Whilst currently optional, it would be mandatory for all year groups starting from September 2026. The RE Coordinator clarified points raised and responded to questions.
The SACRE Advisor provided an update on the following: · The Professional Learning Workshops around Philosophy for Children held over 4 sessions. · Work with the Faraday Project looking at religion and science and also working with some schools trying to find links between the science and RVE curriculum. A discussion ensued when the SACRE Advisor pointed out that no schools in Blaenau Gwent had attended the Professional Learning opportunities, and whether there was any support the EAS could offer to support attendance. The SACRE Advisory pointed out that if attending in school hours was a problem, training could be provided after school. · Godly Play Training CIW would be held during the Summer. · In the summer period training on Godley Play Training CIW, another version of P for C. · WJEC Religious Studies Working Party would be held in the Summer. · Primary Teachers Networking Sessions - encourage primary teachers to attend to create and share resources. It was agreed that the training opportunities etc. would be shared with schools, and also promotion of the Farmington resource.
The SACRE Advisor confirmed that 12 national events had been held across Wales providing further training for RVE. A new exam had now been published, and all resources were available through the WJEC website.
It was reported that the Code of Conduct was shared in the last meeting of WASACRE. The deadline for comments was today, so any further comments to be forwarded to the SACRE Advisor.
No business reported.
9th July, 2025 (to be confirmed).
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