The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) met on 26 September 2024 to discuss various educational matters, including health inequalities, school standards, and the review of the local agreed syllabus. The council also engaged in a self-evaluation exercise to assess its effectiveness and identify areas for development.

Reducing Health Inequalities Through Working with Faith Groups

Kerry Lonergan, a Public Health Consultant for Lewisham Council, and Lisa Fannon, Senior Project Manager for BLACHIR, presented on the council's work to reduce health inequalities by collaborating with faith groups. They highlighted that while reduced council support has made this work more challenging, recent projects have explored the needs and desires of faith communities from a public health perspective. The council aims to foster closer working relationships with these communities to improve the health and well-being of residents. The BLACHIR report identified key themes and opportunities for action, and the council has commissioned seven Black-led organisations to support this initiative. The team offered to share an electronic link to the BLACHIR report and hard copies were available at the meeting. They also mentioned ongoing work with local Primary Care Networks and free defibrillator training sessions.

Standards in Schools: Exam Results Overview

Anthony Doudle, Director of Education Services, provided an overview of school exam results. He reported that Lewisham schools saw an improvement in GCSE results, with 67% achieving grades 4+ in English and Maths, a 4% increase on the previous year and an 8% increase compared to 2019. Attainment 8 scores also showed a slight improvement on the previous year and a significant increase since 2019. Progress 8 scores have also improved considerably. Mr. Doudle commended the quality of teaching and learning in Lewisham schools, noting that performance is well-tracked and progress is positive. He also highlighted that A-level results, while more variable compared to 2023, have improved significantly since 2019, with a 12.2% increase in A* to B grades.

SACRE Self-Evaluation

The council undertook a self-evaluation exercise using an audit tool to assess its effectiveness and identify areas for development. Members discussed their current standing in relation to the SACRE's management, partnership with the Local Authority, and membership. The council generally agreed that they were Established with elements of Advanced in most areas, particularly regarding meeting regularity and membership engagement. However, areas for improvement were identified in data provision and understanding local authority initiatives. Anthony Doudle committed to delivering a presentation on the RE strategy at the next meeting to address these knowledge gaps.

Jewish Life Exhibition

Gerald Rose reported that only six replies had been received regarding the Jewish Life Exhibition. Denise Chaplin encouraged all members to respond to the email invitation, noting that booking was essential due to security concerns. Two schools, Rushey Green and Good Shepherd, had booked sessions, with morning and afternoon slots available.

Lewisham Agreed Syllabus Review

Anthony Doudle suggested a Zoom meeting for those interested in reviewing the Agreed Syllabus and the SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural) guidelines. Denise Chaplin invited interested members to contact her to join a working group for the SMSC review, noting a lack of initial responses.

Matters Arising from Previous Minutes

• Chariot Festival and Peace Walk: Denise Chaplin reported that Daisy Scalchi had attended and enjoyed the Chariot Festival and would provide feedback at the next meeting. Gerald Rose also attended the event, noting the participation of various faith leaders and community members.
• Inter Faith Week: Shaun Burns mentioned that the Interfaith group's activity had been impacted by the departure of a council employee, but that Alistair Curry, Bishop of Woolwich, had sent out invitations for the peace walk. Denise Chaplin suggested asking the Mayor to revitalise the group and reported on a collaboration of ex-Interfaith Network members working to ensure the commemoration of Interfaith Week, with potential funding from the Department of Local Government.
• Holocaust Memorial Day: Denise Chaplin advised that papers for schools to utilise for Holocaust Memorial Day had been circulated. Gerald Rose informed the council about an upcoming online launch of HMD resources for 2025 and offered to forward details for registration.

Information Exchange and Any Other Business

• Multifaith Resources: This was noted as an agenda item.
• Date Setting or Zoom Discussion on a Way Forward for the SMSC Update: This was linked to point 8 of the agenda.
• Future Meetings: Imam Sabir committed to checking the availability of the mosque for the next meeting.

The meeting concluded around 8:10 pm.