Purpose

This report will seek Cabinet approval to adopt the Newcastle Locally Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education.

Every local authority is required to produce and agree a syllabus for Religious Education for schools in its area, which must be reviewed every five years. Newcastle Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) convened an Agreed Syllabus Conference and undertook consultation with schools to develop a revised syllabus. Cabinet approval is now required to enable formal adoption of the syllabus for use in Newcastle schools.

Decision

Summary

Consideration was given to a report which sought approval of the Newcastle Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education.

Decision

That Cabinet agreed to approve the Newcastle Agreed Syllabus.

Reasons for the Decision

All state-funded schools in the UK must teach religious education and every Local Authority must produce an agreed syllabus, setting out what is to be taught. The syllabus must be reviewed every five years.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Development or adoption of an entirely new syllabus. This was not recommended as the existing syllabus continues to be well regarded by schools and national RE organisations, and a revised National Curriculum for Religious Education is expected in the near future.

Declared (Cabinet Member) Conflicts of Interest

None.

Details of any Dispensations

None.