Agenda item

https://hwb.gov.wales/curriculum-for-wales/summary-of-legislation/#religion,-values-and-ethics

The Head of Service: Achievement & Extended Services introduced the report to consider the SACRE Terms of Reference for an Agreed Syllabus Conference.  The new curriculum will require the alignment of a new agreed syllabus for delivery in Monmouthshire schools from 1st September 2022.

An Agreed Syllabus Conference must be arranged following a procedure set by Welsh Government to collectively agree a syllabus that is then ratified by Council.  The membership of the Agreed Syllabus Conference is also clearly set out in guidance.  The timeline for the process was provided.

Considering the Amended Terms of Reference (Options 1 and 2) it was suggested that the following amendment should be made:

  •         Such Christian and other religious denominations as, in the opinion of the authority, will appropriately reflect the principal religious traditions in the area, together with a place for a group who hold non-religious beliefs “non-religious philosophical convictions”.  It is recognised that there will be occasions when the interests of efficiency override the requirement for directly proportionate representation (13 members)

The Monitoring Officer agreed with the adjustment in wording for consistency with the Education Act 1996 as amended and suggested that no further definition of non-religious philosophical convictions is made.

It was commented that the SACRE is currently lacking in representation from other principal religious traditions.  It was agreed that the change from SACRE to SACs will provide an opportunity to seek representation from other principal religious traditions on the SAC.  In the interim, once the terms of reference are approved, letters can be sent to add individuals to the Agreed Syllabus Conference.  It was noted that there is also the option to co-opt advisers.

The report also includes proposals for teacher representation and Option 1 would continue to allow professional associations to make nominations but when it is not possible to secure representation and vacancies are outstanding, approaches to headteachers will be permitted.  It was commented that s31 of the Education Act 1996 mentions teacher associations and approaching headteachers would be a move away from this. The Monitoring Officer suggested it was reasonable and proportionate to move away to achieve the overarching aim of the legislation.  It was confirmed that it has been difficult to secure representation via the teacher associations and it would be possible to take nominations from headteachers to the associations for their approval. 

A Member asked about representation of non-religious philosophical convictions referring to the wide range of these and whether approaches should be made for representation, and queried what changes to the RVE guidance the Church in Wales and Catholic Church are proposing.  The Member commented that the Legislative Summary refers to a range of religious beliefs and links it to European case law. The new legislation still specifies Christianity and principal religions as represented in Wales (changed from UK) whilst the range applies to non-religious philosophical convictions.  It is important to identify the representation that will aid us to shape the syllabus.

It was confirmed that the Church in Wales has a group of practitioners working on the RVE guidance and that will shortly be available online. A presentation can be provided at a future meeting.  It closely aligns to the Welsh Government guidance. 

The RVE Adviser added that all the advice that has been provided and other authorities are following is to be as inclusive as possible.

Considering non-religious philosophical convictions, the Monitoring Officer suggested trying to achieve a balance providing the example that Humanism as a non-religious philosophical conviction counteracts religious beliefs whereas the specificity of  single issue convictions (e.g. veganism, climate change) can include religious belief.  An explanation of how representation has been identified will provide transparency.

Option 1 was approved.