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There is no summary of this meeting yet. One is written once the council publishes the minutes. The agenda and papers are below.
Apologies received for Cllr Brent Carter.
There were no declarations of interest.
Patricia Lewis – NEU
AM to remain as Chair. No nominations or appointment for Vice Chair.
WASACA and WG are currently conducting a review to see if amendments are required. Some of the content can be quite repetitive. Agreed to keep the hyperlinks within the report. Annual Report Agreed
There is a new CSC website and all updates have been made on there. New space for GCSE Religious Studies aimed at practitioners to upload resources and post questions to each other. Professional Learning event has taken place this term, with another taking place 25th November. Focus will be on NEA process. The offer is available to schools who are looking at religious values and ethics. Funded project this year, launch took place yesterday for six schools. Looking to develop a database of different places of worship. Had input from Centre for the Study of Islam, who are doing a similar task for mosques. Skills Suite is currently being worked on with examination providers all pitching to offer certain units. Includes optional titles, which means it is a good time for heads of departments to start thinking about staffing and delivery. Jewish Living Experience exhibition has gone into Cyfarthfa High School, available to go into all schools. AC – One thing concerning me is the issues with the potential of Anti-Semitism being conflated with Anti-Zionism. The orbit centre is a good venue for the 360 camera collaboration as it has an immersive facility on site. Schools are able to access this. Looking to collate all professional learning offered by the LA and CSC, which will go out to schools in a newsletter. Action – Alison Lee to be invited to next SACRE.
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We have the Estyn Inspection summaries and there are things to be celebrated within it. Dowlais was pinpointed as developing pupils spiritual, moral, social and cultural understanding throughout the curriculum. Some fantastic comments made about BCA also. Estyn are starting to recognise the importance of values. Recognised that BCA are developing pupils understanding of identity robustly. This is a real positive and shows pupils have a mature attitude towards life and respect for each other. Greenfield school, there was lots that was picked up on and celebrated. DG has approached her line manager to request Greenfields becomes a case study for RV in a special school as there were some fantastic ideas.
Some notable patterns highlighted within the headlines. RS results can be seen as quite problematic due to the various qualifications and cohorts. Wales has seen a sharp decline in entries due to the removal of the short course. However, RS shows stronger outcomes than History and Geography, and girls continue to outperform boys. It is hoped that NEA’s can be included in future qualifications as in other subjects. This may also increase entry numbers. There are concerns that the subject is seen as non-specialist and is usually taught by teachers as a second subject. AM – we don’t tend to report RS results to cabinet as they aren’t part of the KPI’s meaning there is no requirement to report them. AC – I had a look at result reports from when I taught over 20 years ago, and the discrepancy between girls and boys, and between subjects, is remarkably similar to back then. SG – After a curriculum and assessment review of subject, the recommendation is that RS is taken as a more serious subject. DG – In Wales, it is within the humanities subject since the Curriculum Act 2021. PL – Public opinion seems to suggest there is a moral decline in ethics and values. Does this open an opportunity to publicise that RS curriculum has broadened to include ethics and values? It may strike a chord with schools and the public.
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The National Association Panel for Religious Education in Wales met a few weeks ago, it was highlighted that there had been a notable increase in enquiries from parents and carers. None from Merthyr so far, but across the other four LA’s. At least two enquiries from each of the other four LA’s. There appears to be concerns about their children learning specific world views or religions. DG to update the five directors of education about this. DG to also meet with somebody in Welsh Government to raise the concerns. SACRE have produced guidance on this. DG – it seems that the reports so far are just the tip of the iceberg, but it is positive that some schools are confident enough to address queries themselves. There is also a potential link with safeguarding if parents share their views with their children if they are of a racist or anti-religious nature. Action – AM to highlight issue with Greg Morgan. Action – DG to share guidance with AM in order to forward to schools. Also send to SG.
Meeting on 3rd July looking at religion and spirituality using the Faraday Institute of Cambridge University. Second meeting on 21st October where attention turned to environmentalism. 3 Guest speakers attended and questions were put to them from the youth voice. A recording has been made which DG will edit and put on the CSC website. Next meeting is 3rd March 2026. Action – AM to forward to Seren Coordinators to share with learners.
10th March 2026. 23rd June 2026.
Item to add to the next agenda is to look at ‘Schools of Sanctuary’. Merthyr Jewish Museum / Heritage Centre would also like to give a presentation. One item to be scheduled for Spring meeting and one for the Summer
No other business was discussed.
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