The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) is scheduled to meet to discuss the future of Religious Education in schools, review the council's development plan, and consider updates on various ongoing initiatives. The meeting will also cover RE in schools and examination results, as well as training opportunities for SACRE members.

Curriculum and Assessment Review

A significant item on the agenda is the discussion and response to the Curriculum and Assessment Review. This review, detailed in the report Building a world-class curriculum for all , proposes a staged approach to integrating Religious Education (RE) into the national curriculum. The report suggests that RE is a basic curriculum subject, meaning it is not part of the national curriculum but is a statutory requirement for schools. The review highlights that while RE is important for pupils' intellectual, personal, spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, its provision in many schools is not considered adequate.

The report advocates for RE to be moved to the national curriculum to improve access to high-quality provision. It proposes a staged approach, beginning with a task and finish group, potentially led by Dr Vanessa Ogden CBE, to develop a draft RE curriculum. This group would build on the work of the Religious Education Council of England and Wales's National Content Standard for RE. The review also considers legislative implications, including the potential removal of the statutory requirement for learners in school sixth forms to study RE, arguing that this would better reflect actual practice and foster parity across 16-19 settings. The report notes that the current legislative framework for RE has not changed substantially since 1944.

SACRE Development Plan

The council will review and discuss the Northumberland SACRE Development Plan for 2025/26. This plan outlines objectives such as supporting RE Hubs, working with governor services on RE law, and seeking funding for projects. Specific actions include surveying teaching staff to ascertain training needs, their response to the assessment and curriculum review, and the demand for conferences. The plan also details the development of an excellence award for Northumberland schools and the preparation of materials to support collective worship in primary schools.

RE in Schools and Examination Results

Members are scheduled to receive and discuss data pertaining to Religious Education in schools and examination results. This will provide an overview of current performance and trends in RE education across the region.

Update of Contacts with Schools and Training Provision

An update will be provided on the provision of RE in-service training and contacts with schools. This will include information on ongoing support and resources available to educational institutions.

Survey to Schools

Progress on a survey conducted with schools will be presented. This survey likely aims to gather feedback on various aspects of RE provision and support.

Excellence in RE Award

The council is set to discuss and agree on a SACRE Excellence Award. This initiative is intended to recognise and celebrate achievements in Religious Education within local schools.

Support for Collective Worship

The SACRE will discuss the support it can offer regarding Collective Worship in schools. This may involve reviewing existing resources and identifying areas where further assistance can be provided to educators.

Holocaust Memorial Day

The meeting agenda includes a discussion regarding the Holocaust Memorial Day event. This will likely involve planning and coordination for the annual commemoration.

Training Available to SACRE

Members will have the opportunity to note future training dates and discuss any completed training sessions. Upcoming training sessions include topics such as Being an effective SACRE clerk, exploring resources from the OAK National Academy, and general guidance for new SACRE members.

Membership

An update on SACRE vacancies will be provided. This will inform members about the current composition of the council and any efforts to fill vacant positions.

Dates of Future Meetings

Finally, SACRE members will agree on the dates for future meetings for the academic years 2025-26 and 2026-27.

The meeting is scheduled to take place via Microsoft Teams or in Conference Room 2.