Agenda item

The SACRE noted the Autumn Term 2020 RE Newsletter. It was reported that the regular updates on national and local RE issues were included in the newsletters.  Updates on free CPD (continuing professional development) resources, as well as online support were also included to provide support for teachers in Slough.

The Chair highlighted the Starter Activity Grid appended to the back of the newsletter and thanked the two teachers that had developed the grid and for agreeing for it to be shared with other teachers.

SACRE noted that the proposed question and answer sessions (Q & A) for RE teachers had been postponed, due to limited time in linking the sessions in with Inter Faith Week. The Adviser reported that teachers at the Network meetings did not consider that it would be appropriate to proceed with the proposal, as it would not be possible to interact with pupils, given the current Covid-19 restrictions on social distancing. Support would continue to be provided to teachers through the Network meetings and the RE Newsletter.

The following were requested to be included in the next newsletter:

·  Presentation assembly on Remembering Srebrenica

·  Information on Humanism

The Chair suggested that a Q & A session with Julie Siddiqi (Islam), Lynda Bussley (The Church of England and Robin Launder (Humanism) should be arranged after the Easter break. Members would be invited to talk to teachers about their faiths, followed  by questions and discussions on how best they could be supported in their teaching.

It was discussed that a ‘good news’ section should be included in the Newsletter for teachers to share the positive things they were doing in class.

The Adviser confirmed that success sharing would also be included as an item on the agenda at the next Network meeting.

(Jo Curd joined the meeting).

Resolved that:

i)  The Autumn Term 2020 RE Newsletter be noted.

ii)  A Q and A session on SACRE members’ faiths with the members set out above be arranged to take place after the Easter school holidays.

iii)  The Starter Active Grid to be circulated to schools via the Link.