Agenda, decisions and minutes

No declarations of interest were made.

No declarations of interest were made.

To approve and sign as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 3^rd February 2016 (copy enclosed). 

That, subject to the amendments, the minutes be approved as a correct record.

The minutes of the meeting held on 3 February 2016 were submitted.

Accuracy

Minute number 21 - Analysis of Inspection Reports

Mrs Delyth McIntyre asked if the reference to her could be corrected from Ms Delyth Jones to Mrs Delyth McIntyre.

Minute number 22 – Examination  results 2015

(Page 6)  Mrs Delyth McIntyre asked if the reference to her could be corrected from Ms Delyth Jones to Mrs Delyth McIntyre.

Also on page 6, sub-para (b) should read “liaise with Flintshire Council”.

Matters Arising

Minute number 13 – DVD

In response to a query, the Challenge Adviser will liaise with Lyn Oakes to check if the DVDs have arrived in schools.

Minute number 22 – Examination results 2015

Cllr Mackie confirmed that there are 2 RE examination cohorts in Hawarden High, and that numbers were not counted twice. 

The Chair explained that RE can be squeezed to the edge, with an average of 5-7% of curriculum time.  Discussions are ongoing in schools re the percentage of time for RE.  There is no statutory obligation in terms of time for the delivery of RE, just delivery of it as a subject.  RE is best delivered through an examination specification.  Cllr CB thanked Gavin Craigen for introducing the short course which served to enhance the value of the subject.  RK said there was a need to monitor the effect of Y9 taking the exam early.  Pupils need to be at the best age cognitively for the subject matter.  RK cautioned against going for the “quick fix”.

Cllr CB queried results of the full and short course at St Richard Gwyn.  PL will put data in the annual report due Autumn. 

Resolution (b) on page 6 – Cllr CB/PL:  because of the issue at Hawarden High, PL will timetable a meeting with the data person in the school as well as in Flintshire.  GwE now has someone in charge of data.

Cllr CB – Holywell High has not put any pupils in for exams.  Current Head of RE at the school is retiring.  New appointee, Gareth Williams is very committed and has been advised to attend the Heads of RE forums.  It is hoped that a future SACRE meeting can be held at the new build Holywell High School. 

Cllr CB said there is some concern re the hub at Deeside College.  RE will now be offered, and there is going to be a meditation/prayer room and a part-time chaplain has been appointed.  FE is not covered under the Act with regard to collective worship etc.

Minute number 26 – Urdd Eisteddfod 2016

RK reported on the excellent attendance at the Urdd Eisteddfod.  Some of the religious dimension of the community and country was included.

RESOLVED:

That, subject to the amendments, the minutes be approved as a correct record.

To receive the analysis of recent Estyn Inspection reports (copy enclosed).

Cllr CB pointed out that, on page 11, the date of the inspection at Connah’s Quay High should read Nov 2015.

The Chair commented on how bland inspection reports have become.  PL had prepared extracts and comments which are positive in relation to the development of young people in terms of their religious sense.  PL told the meeting that Estyn are required to comment on pupils’ Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development.  Estyn apologised re lack of spiritual comment in a previous report.  The Chair remarked on the paucity of any remarks by Estyn in this area.

RESOLVED:

Cllr CB pointed out that, on page 11, the date of the inspection at Connah’s Quay High should read Nov 2015.

To receive a presentation regarding the school to school collaborative working launch being held in St. Mary’s, Denbighshire on 30^th June 2016 and St. Giles, Wrexham on 7^th July 2016. (copy enclosed)

It was stressed how important it is that schools work together – cost effectiveness and time are the most important factors.  PL would deliver a presentation re the forthcoming launch.  LO has successfully used RE transition materials, and suggested that PL use this to assist with that.  RK said how grateful SACRE is to PL for the quality of the material prepared by him. 

SACRE Members were informed that GwE would be working with SACRE to provide opportunities for schools to work together supporting Religious Education and Collective Worship.

Members received a PowerPoint presentation on the School to School Collaborative Working Launch which would be held at St Mary’s, Denbighshire on the 30th June, 2016 and St Giles, Wrexham on the 7th July, 2016.

The Challenge Advisor for GwE (CAG) provided a detailed summary of the PowerPoint presentation which included the following:-

·         The wonderful world of RE.

·         RE is a unique subject.

·         Foundation Phase.

·         Religious Education in the Foundation Phase.

·         KS2/CA2.

·         Levelling:-

-       What do they need to improve?

-       Where are they?

-       Where have they come from?

-       About their own experiences, the world around them aspects of religion

-       Beliefs, teachings and practices investigated

-       Importance of others

-       Their opinions

-       Opinions of others

-       Using vocabulary

·         Lesson Ideas.

·         Parable of the wise and foolish builders.

·         Plenary quiz.

·         What do you think:-

-       Engaging with fundamental questions

·         The facts:-

-       Exploring religious beliefs, teachings and practice(s)

·         Responding to:-

-       Expressing personal responses

(i)         To receive the minutes of the last meeting of the Association held on 8^th March 2016 at Haverford West (copy enclosed).

(ii)        Curriculum Review up-date (copy enclosed)

PL was thanked for attending WASACRE last week. 

To receive the minutes of the last meeting of the Association

The minutes of the WASACRE meeting held on 8 March 2016 in Haverford West were accepted.  PL pointed out that these WASACRE minutes are prior to the WASACRE meeting held in Denbighshire.

                        PL – spoke about WJEC and the new curriculum, and said that Lynda Maddocks has taken over for RE and GCSE.  The specification has been agreed and used for England, but has not yet been passed for Wales, Lynda has given out some informal advice and this has been given to schools.

The next meeting will be held at 2pm on Wednesday, 5^th October 2016.  Venue to be confirmed. 

Wednesday 5 October at 2 pm. Holywell Combined Primary and Secondary campus has been confirmed as the venue for the next meeting.