Agenda and draft minutes

It was agreed that Simon Cameron Chair the meeting.

Apologies for absence were received from Mrs Cate Harmsworth and Councillor Joe Welch

Members to declare any personal or prejudicial interests in any business identified to be considered at this meeting.

No declarations of interest.

To confirm the Chair and Vice- Chair of the current term of office.  

Notice of items which, in the opinion of the Chair, should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency pursuant to Section 100B(4) of the Local Government Act 1972.

None

To approve and sign as a correct record, minutes of the previous meeting held on 13 February 2017.

To discuss the monitoring and supporting role of SACRE.

To receive the analysis of recent Estyn Inspection Reports.

The Challenge Advisor for GwE (CA) submitted a report (previously circulated) which provided an analysis of Estyn Inspection reports published in the spring term.

The CA explained that presented were the findings of the inspections that took place at 2 schools as this was the only information received from Estyn. Inspections had been carried out at Denbigh High School and Ysgol Llanbedr, details relating to each of the respective schools had been included in the report and were summarised by the CA. The Committee were informed the method Estyn adopt for inspecting schools was to be changing from September 2017. The CA explained from the two Estyn inspections received, the inspection of Ysgol Llanbedr was obtained using the previous inspection framework and the inspection of Denbigh High School the new framework.

The CA explained to members the new inspection framework  was made up of 5 clear areas, from the information in the new inspection framework limited reference to items relevant to  SACRE could be observed. The CA explained that Estyn have stated they will only make direct reference to Collective Worship within inspections if it is not observed.

The CA expressed the importance for the SACRE committee to monitor the new framework from the results of inspections carried out.

NOTED that the report be received and its contents noted.

To receive a verbal presentation regarding a GwE initiative to support the new GCSE specification in Religious Studies.

The Challenge Advisor for GwE (CA) introduced Sarah Roberts, Head of Humanities at Rhyl High School and Conwy and Denbighshire Hub Lead Practitioner.

Sarah Roberts Lead Practitioner (LP) for religious education in Conwy and Denbighshire presented to the committee initiatives in place to deliver the revised GCSE Religious Studies specifications.

The LP explained the background to the work the Lead Practitioners had been involved with.  Work had been done with schools across the region to support staff and to share good practices.

The LP discussed with members the differences between the Full course and short course GCSE Religious Education examinations and how the modules of each are calculated.

The LP informed members that WJEC conference’s held in Bangor and Ewloe expressed a number of concerns that schools had regarding the new specifications. The LP disclosed that the main concern that was aired at the meeting was the lack of resources particularly no textbook available to support teaching staff or pupils. It was also asked at the conference’s that guidance be provided on the Humanist element of the syllabus to aid in teaching.

A further conference organised by GwE took place in March. The LP gave a brief review of what was discussed at the conference which included information on assessment, Humanist approach and the next stages for Hub practitioners to explore. The feedback from the 60 teachers that attended the conference was well received and positive feedback was given.

The LP attended a Hub meeting which focused on preparation for the new school year and developing concepts to support each other. The LP told the committee currently communication was through the use of emails, come September a new portal would be implemented to allow schools access to aid and support. The LP informed the committee of the next Hub meeting which would be in October 2018 and the next stages would focus on developing concept maps, to continue to share information and investigate for another conference to be arranged and attended.

Concerns that had been raised in the conference’s and Hub meetings were echoed by the SACRE committee. The Committee felt it necessary to construct a letter to WJEC and the Welsh Government expressing the concerns felt by Denbighshire’s SACRE.

The Chair thanked Sarah Roberts for attending the meeting and for providing the information for members to discuss and deliberate on. The Chair asked that SACRE monitor the implementation of the new specifications and continue to communicate with the Hub practitioner.

RESOLVED that the report be received and its contents noted. A letter to WJEC and Welsh Government be drafted expressing SACRE’s concerns regarding the new specifications for GCSE Religious Education.  

To receive a verbal update on the school to school collaboration.

I.        To receive the minutes of the last meeting of the Association Usk, Monmouthshire.

II.        WASACRE summer meeting, 7^th June, Wrexham.

III.        Nominations for the WASACRE Executive Committee 2017.

The next meeting will be held at 10am on Friday 13 October 2017 in Council Chamber, Russell House, Churton Road, Rhyl, LL18 3DP

The next meeting of the Denbighshire SACRE had been scheduled for 10am Friday 13^th October, 2017 in Council Chamber, Russell House, Churton Road, Rhyl.