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1. S50 and Roman Catholic Inspection
2. Roman Catholic New Syllabus
Minutes:
The RVE Adviser provided an update as follows:
In terms of Professional Learning (PL), there will be continued emphasis on PL throughout the year. Schools will receive support for curriculum planning and development where needed with a shift towards exploring progression within the curriculum. The EAS will continue to identify and share examples of effective practice across schools.
Secondary Schools receive support for the new GCSE, particularly the Non-Examined Assessment (NEA). PL and network meetings are planned to embed this.
In collaboration with Bangor University, training for teachers without a background in RE/RVE is planned with the aim of building confidence and skills for effective RVE teaching. To enhance effective pedagogy, the EAS is revisiting and introducing new teaching strategies to provide tangible tools for immediate classroom application, PL sessions and network meetings for both primary and secondary phases. Enquiry-Based Learning is being explored looking specifically at enquiry processes in RVE to enhance curriculum development.
The first meeting of the Youth SAC is scheduled in two weeks. The Youth SAC will be hosting an Interfaith panel with diverse religious and non-religious representatives. The Youth panel members have been asked to prepare questions for discussion. The event is aligned with Interfaith Week.
A member asked to see the resources provided to the Youth SAC particularly about the religious and non-religious groups. It was confirmed that there are no formal resources only questions devised by the schools themselves. These will be provided in advance to the panels. Topics include climate, science, religion, and Artificial Intelligence
More information was requested on the structure of the Interfaith panel, which religious and non-religious groups are represented and how representatives are chosen.
The EAS continues to provide bespoke School support based on individual schools’ needs.
The RVE Adviser noted that no RC Primary Schools in Monmouthshire were able to provide a presentation on the S50 inspection due to workload pressures. The RVE Adviser provided a presentation from St. Helen’s RC Primary School in Caerphilly which outlined how Religious Education (RE) is structured and delivered in a Catholic school:
1. Identity and Mission of a Catholic School
Catholic schools must clearly understand and embrace their unique identity.
Faith should permeate all aspects of school life.
RE is taught as truth, not just belief (e.g., Jesus as the Son of God).
2. Structure of Religious Education
RE is delivered through three interconnected areas:
Knowledge – Religious Education Directory (RED): “To know you more clearly”
Worship – Prayer and Liturgy: “To love you more dearly”
Life – Catholic Life and Mission: “To follow you more nearly”
3. Aims of Catholic Education
Systematic study of Catholic beliefs.
Authentic teaching of faith.
Dialogue of encounter with other worldviews.
Critical and personal engagement.
Application across subjects (e.g., history, literacy).
4. Teaching Methodology
RED is structured around: Hear, Believe, Celebrate, Live.
Teachers are supported with background notes and professional development.
Creative teaching methods include drama, art, outdoor activities, and cross-curricular links.
5. Assessment and Planning
Assessment is in transition; outcomes are defined but not yet formalised.
RE follows a liturgical calendar with consistent themes across school years.
6. Teacher Support and Inclusivity
Teachers of all faiths (or none) can teach RE with proper training.
Culture of honesty and support for teachers unfamiliar with Catholic teachings.
Use of governors and parish priests for guidance and development.
7. Prayer and Liturgy
Daily prayer, Christian meditation, and weekly assemblies.
Creative worship practices (e.g., burying and resurrecting “Hallelujah”).
Formal liturgies like Mass are integral and unchangeable.
8. Catholic Life and Mission
Based on the Jesuit Pupil Profile – virtues integrated into curriculum planning.
Purpose planning starts with virtues and links to Welsh curriculum.
Catholic Social Teaching and ethics taught discretly.
9. RSE and Ethics
Fertile Heart and Life to the Full programmes used to meet Welsh Government requirements.
Faith-based approach to relationships and ethics education.
10. Inspection and Accountability
Schools are inspected every three years across all three areas.
Grading system similar to Ofsted; all areas must be addressed.
11. FAQs Addressed
Non-Catholics can teach in Catholic schools.
Teachers lead prayer regardless of personal belief.
RE must constitute 10% of the weekly timetable.
Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales sets guidelines.