Agenda item
DONALDSON REVIEW
To receive a presentation regarding Professor Donaldson’s review of the curriculum and his recommendations. The review can be found at:-
Minutes:
The CA explained that curriculum review conducted by
Professor Donaldson. The report
‘Successful Futures: Independent Review of the Curriculum and assessment in
Wales’ outlined the findings and recommendations.
The CA explained that the presentation had been shared with
Flintshire and Conwy SACRE’s respectively.
A response had been received from a faith representative in the
Flintshire SACRE which had highlighted concerns regarding the immensity of the
document, and the value of the presentation in summarising the requirements of
the Review.
With the aid of a PowerPoint presentation the following
points were highlighted by the CA. He
elaborated on the relevant key areas and issues within the document which could
impact on the delivery of Religious Education:-
·
Questions for the great debate and the content
of the questionnaire.
·
Purpose of the curriculum.
·
Areas of learning and experience – 6 areas
outlined by the CA.
·
Pedagogical Principles – 9 points highlighted by
the CA.
·
Cross curriculum.
·
Teachers having a strong role in shaping the
curriculum.
In response to a
question from Mr G. Craigen regarding
provision by Government to assist and prepare teachers for the very different
and new approach to curriculum delivery following the Review, the CA explained
that full implementation would not be realised until 2020. He clarified that the Review had provided
lots of recommendations but no indication as to how they would be implemented
and this would be included in the next stage through the creation of a scheme
of work.
The CA made particular reference to the opportunities which
would be created in years 7 and 8.
Councillor A. Roberts referred to the assessment process adopted in
Scotland, and made reference to the success of the Rhyl cluster which he felt
had not been replicated in Prestatyn. The CA explained that in future students
would be assessed against skills and not levels with a consortia generating a
portfolio of assessment points. Specific
reference was made to the significant impact in respect of LNF testing and the
need for primary and secondary schools to work closer in the future.
During the ensuing discussion the following issues were
highlighted:-
-
The importance of Key Stage 3 in delivering
subjects with regard to a framework for examinations and student skill levels.
-
The advice provided by SACRE would be relevant
to agreeing the syllabus for the delivery of Religious Education. Reference was made to the continuation of an
exemplar framework and a cross pillar approach.
-
The agreed syllabus having a legal status in
schools to provide the foundation for all Religious Education.
-
Teacher representatives within SACRE to monitor
the delivery Religious Education, which would provide a direct access to the
classroom.
The CA outlined the present model and the use of teacher
representatives on SACRE. He explained
that the new model would be slightly different feeding down into groups as a
line of communication. Members of SACRE
agreed that the CA write to schools to progress the new approach. Teachers would be invited to become involved
with small groups which they could then represent on SACRE. Mr G, Craigen highlighted the
importance of complying with the requirements of Teacher Union representation
if increasing teacher representation on SACRE.
RESOLVED – that, subject to the above, the presentation on
the Donaldson Review be received and noted.
Supporting documents:
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