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CITY AND COUNTY OF SWANSEA

Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education

Annual Report 2009-2010

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City and County of Swansea

Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education

Annual Report 2009-2010

Contents PAGE

Section 1 Information about SACRE 2-3 1.1 Duty to establish SACRE 1.2 Composition of SACRE 1.3 Membership of SACRE 1.4 Functions and Duties of SACRE 1.5 Meetings 1.6 Development Plan 1.7 Circulation of Report EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF ADVICE GIVEN BY SACRE 5 Section 2 Advice on Religious Education 6-10 2.1 The locally agreed syllabus 2.2 Standards in RE 2.3 Methods of Teaching, Teacher Materials and Teacher Training Section 3 Advice on Collective Worship 11 3.1 School Inspection reports 3.2 Collective Worship Resources Section 4 Other Issues 12 4.1 WASACRE 4.2 Holocaust Education 4.3 The RE Festival March 2011 4.4 The REsilience Project 4.5 Training for SACRE Members Appendices Appendix 1 Membership of SACRE 16 Appendix 2 Schedule of meetings and agenda items 19 Appendix 3 SACRE Development Plan 2009-2012 20 Appendix 4 Examination Results 2009 24 Appendix 5 Circulation of Report 26

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Section 1: Information about SACRE 1.1 Duty to establish SACRE All Local Authorities (LAs) are required to constitute a Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE) within their local area. 1.2 Composition of SACRE Representation on SACRE is required as follows:-

such Christian and other religious denominations as, in the opinion of the LA, will appropriately reflect the principal religious traditions in the area

associations representing teachers

the Local Authority 1.3 Membership of SACRE The list of members of Swansea SACRE is set out in Appendix 1 1.4 Functions of SACRE

To advise the LA on worship and the religious education to be given in accordance with the agreed syllabus including methods of teaching, advice on materials and the provision of training for teachers

To consider whether to recommend to the LA that its current agreed syllabus should be reviewed by convening an Agreed Syllabus Conference.

To consider whether the requirement that religious worship in a county school should be ‘broadly Christian in nature’ should be varied (determinations)

To report to the LA and the Department for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills (DCELLS) on its activities on an annual basis.

1.5 Meetings of SACRE SACRE met on three occasions during the 2009 –2010 academic year.

November 5th 2009 February 23rd 2010 June 18th 2010

1.6 SACRE Development Plan 2009 -2012 SACRE adopted a development plan as a basis for its activities for the period 2009-2012. This development plan can be found in Appendix 3. 1.7 Circulation of Report A list of the organisations receiving the report can be found in Appendix 5.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY A brief summary of the advice that SACRE has given to the LA follow: RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Issue To monitor provision and raise standards in RE. Action 1. The LA wrote to congratulate those schools that had a good or very good

inspection report. One primary school judged as Grade 3 was asked to submit their action plan to address any shortcomings.

2. SACRE writes to Estyn to highlight any errors in reporting procedures in inspection reports. This was not necessary in the academic year 2009-10

3. SACRE wrote to schools after analysing examination results. The letter included congratulations for the good results, where appropriate, and raised issues that schools should be addressing as a result of this analysis.

4. Primary and secondary schools were offered training on assessment issues this academic year. Foundation Phase practitioners were offered training on RE in the Foundation Phase.

THE AGREED SYLLABUS FOR RE Issue To fulfil the legal requirement to review the agreed syllabus for RE on a five yearly basis. Action

1. In 2008 a new agreed syllabus for the Authority’s schools was adopted and implemented September 2008 and schools received training on the agreed syllabus and a package of support materials.

2. A yearly programme of INSET has continued and in the academic year 2009-10 Foundation Phase practitioners were provided with a course RE in the Foundation Phase: Delivering the Agreed Syllabus and a course on Assessment and the Agreed Syllabus was provided to primary teachers.

3. Secondary schools met to discuss Assessment at KS3 to cross moderate pupils work and to support teachers in their understanding of progression using the level descriptors of the agreed syllabus.

TEACHING MATERIALS Issue To ensure that schools are informed of suitable resources Action

1. All schools were informed of the 2010 theme ‘Legacy of Hope’ and that Holocaust Memorial Day resources can be found on their website.

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2. Schools have been informed of the RE Festival 2011 website www.celebratingre.org and of the excellent resources available to teachers on that website.

3. Secondary schools have been informed of the REsilience Project and encouraged to visit the website www.re-silience.org.uk. Those wishing to be part of the project will receive Gateway documents and other support materials.

4. Schools have been informed through INSET and networking meetings of the most recent resources to support the teaching of religious education.

TRAINING FOR TEACHERS Issue To ensure that teachers are able to access appropriate CPD. Action

1. Secondary schools had a one day meeting to discuss assessment at KS3; cross moderate pupils work and discuss creating a KS3 portfolio of standards that exemplify the agreed syllabus level descriptions.

2. Primary schools received training on Assessment and RE in the Spring Term 2010.

3. Foundation Phase teachers received training on RE in the Foundation Phase in Autumn 2009.

COLLECTIVE WORSHIP Issue To ensure that schools fulfil statutory requirements for collective worship and provide a worthwhile experience for pupils. Action

1. SACRE monitors the sections of inspection reports that are concerned with collective worship and SMSC and writes to schools to congratulate those that fulfil statutory requirements and promotes good SMSC

2. SACRE contacts any schools that are not meeting statutory requirements for collective worship and asks for a copy of its action plan. This was not necessary this year.

3. SACRE resolved that schools be informed of appropriate resources and websites that support collective worship in schools.

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Section 2 Advice on Religious Education 2.1 The locally agreed syllabus In 2008 the Standing Conference endorsed and adopted a new agreed syllabus for the Authority’s schools implemented from September 2008. The agreed syllabus closely relates to the National Exemplar Framework for RE (DCELLS). A programme of INSET, funded by the LA, was provided for all primary and secondary schools during the Summer Term 2008 and support materials, including schemes of work, to support and exemplify the new syllabus have been issued to schools. A yearly programme of INSET has continued and specific training on the agreed syllabus was offered to primary schools with courses on RE in the Foundation Phase (Autumn 2009) and Assessment and the Agreed Syllabus in the Primary School (Spring 2010). Secondary schools attended a Heads of Department meeting to discuss creating a KS3 portfolio and to cross moderate pupils’ work. Comprehensive support materials have been distributed to schools including Schemes of Work and KS3 Progress in Learning files for secondary schools. 2.2 Standards in RE SACRE has adopted a number of strategies for monitoring standards being achieved in religious education in the Authority’s schools, which include the following.

School Inspection Reports SACRE has examined the relevant sections of LA school inspection reports. During the period Summer 2008-Summer 2009 there were 20 inspection reports looked at consisting of 19 primary schools and one secondary school. 13 of these schools had short or standard inspections and RE was not reported. Five primary schools and one secondary school had RE inspected; one primary school had a re-inspection. Standards of religious education were judged as good or very good in the majority of schools and having shortcomings in 2 primary schools. The standards achieved as reported in those schools where RE was inspected is as follows.

Phase Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5

Key Stage 1 4 1

Key Stage 2 1 3 1

KS3 1

KS4 1

KS5

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PRIMARY SCHOOLS

Outstanding features: Pupil’s ability to reflect maturely leading to a deep spiritual

understanding. Outstanding understanding of the main differences between religions. Outstanding knowledge of Islam.

Good features Pupils develop a good knowledge and understanding of Christianity

and other world religions. Visits made to places of worship in the local and wider community. Good understanding of the use and significance of religious artefacts. Opportunities provided for pupils to discuss and to reflect on religious

and moral issues. Good use of key religious vocabulary. Good understanding of religious concepts and symbols. Shortcomings Pupils’ limited knowledge and understanding of other world religions. Insufficient opportunities for pupils to reflect sufficiently on religious

issues and ideas. Pupils’ limited understanding of the Bible as a holy book.

The primary school that was re-inspected has been removed from the list of schools requiring significant improvement. The re-inspection report states that there has been significant progress in raising pupils’ standards in religious education.

SECONDARY SCHOOLS Good features Most pupils make good progress in their knowledge and understanding of

the beliefs and practices if the faiths studied. Most pupils have a sound knowledge and understanding of symbolism Most pupils express their views confidently. Most pupils are developing well their ability to engage with fundamental

questions. Most pupils investigate and explore successfully how aspects of religious

practice and belief are portrayed in the media. They can identify issues as well as moral and social dilemmas and can analyse, interpret and relate them to a range of religious attitudes and viewpoints.

Shortcomings The time allocated to RE at kS4 is barely sufficient to meet course

requirements. A few pupils have an insecure understanding of symbolism. A few pupils are unable to recognise the link between belief and

behaviour.

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A small minority find it difficult to express viewpoints about fundamental questions.

SACRE welcomed the aspects of the reports, which identified good practice, and also the identification of the shortcomings, so providing an agenda for improvement. Members of SACRE although pleased at the number of positive comments found in the reports wants to ensure a pro-active approach is taken by the following measures. Action 1. SACRE writes to congratulate schools that receive good or very good standards in religious education 2. SACRE requests details of the action plan from those schools where religious education is a key issue for action. One action plan was requested this year. 3. The local authority provides INSET that addresses issues arising from inspection reports.

Examination Results Examination results for GCSE and GCE Advanced Level achieved by pupils at secondary schools within the Authority have been analysed and considered. Figures that relate to results over the last three years were analysed to indicate trends in performance. Members noted that although in GCSE Religious Studies there has been a year on year increase in entry numbers this was not the case in 2009 where there was a decrease in numbers with 469 entries from 11 schools (567 in 2008). The overall figures of pupils achieving A*-A is 22.2% and is slightly below previous performance and also below the All-Wales figure of 32.1%. At A*-C grades were good this year at 67% but below previous performance and the All-Wales figure of 71.9%. The overall % of A*-G grades for Swansea is very good at 98.3% and is comparable with previous performance and the All-Wales figure of 98.7%. Three schools entered for CoEA with a 87.1% pass rate. The entry figure for GCSE Short Course in Religious Education has significantly decreased this year with 741 entries from 11 schools (830 in 2008). The results at all grade boundaries is the best performance in the last three years and although below All Wales figures show a year on year improvement and the gap between the local authority results and All Wales figures are narrowing. However, SACRE is mindful that many able pupils are fast- tracked and entered for two short courses to make a Full Course qualification rather than a Short Course qualification and this does impact upon Short Course results, particularly at A*-C grade boundary. Also, this course is not an option chosen by pupils but a fulfilment of statutory requirements and SACRE finds it very pleasing to see 96.5% of pupils receiving some kind of accreditation for their studies at KS4. This figure is comparable with the All Wales figure of 97.7%

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There were also 126 early entries for Short Course in Year 10 and results were very good and better than All Wales figures at all grade boundaries. At GCE AS level there was 32 entries from 2 schools. This is better than 2008 entry figures. At all grade boundaries the pass rate is below previous performance and All Wales figures. At GCE A level the number of candidates was 28 from 4 schools. Numbers decreased this year. The A-C pass rate of 82.1% has improved this year and exceeds the All Wales figure of 79.7%. Results A-E grade are excellent with 100% pass rate for the last two years and outperform the All Wales figures. It should be noted that definitive conclusions cannot be drawn because the figures represent raw scores and do not necessarily reflect the selectivity of the entry and in some cases the numbers are too small to be statistically significant. Detailed tables of examination results are found in Appendix 3. Action

1. SACRE writes to schools after analysing examination results. The letter includes congratulations for the good results, where appropriate, and raises issues that schools should be addressing as a result of this analysis.

2. SACRE resolved to include a separate report in future analyses on the results from the tertiary colleges to have a more complete picture of AS/A level standards.

2.3 Methods of Teaching, Teacher Materials and Teacher Training In-service training for teachers The INSET offered for the academic year 2009-2010 is as follows. Primary schools RE in the Foundation Phase x 1 day (Autumn 2009) Assessment in RE x 1 day (Spring 2010) Secondary schools Heads of Department Meeting x 1 day (Autumn 2009) Publications No publications were distributed this year. Teaching Materials

All schools were informed of the 2010 Holocaust Memorial Day theme ‘Legacy of Hope’ and that Holocaust resources can be found on their website.

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Schools have been informed of the RE Festival 2011 website www.celebratingre.org and of the excellent resources available to teachers on that website. Secondary schools have been informed of the REsilience Project and encouraged to visit the website www.re-silience.org.uk. Those wishing to be part of the project will receive Gateway documents and other support materials. Schools have been informed through INSET and networking meetings of the most recent resource materials available for the teaching of RE.

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Section 3 Advice on Collective Worship 3.1 SCHOOL INSPECTION REPORTS As well as considering the religious education sections of school inspection reports, SACRE scrutinises Key Question 3 section and other relevant sections of school inspection reports. During the period Summer 2008-Summer 2009 there were 20 inspection reports looked at consisting of 19 primary schools and one secondary school. 13 of these schools had short or standard inspections and RE was not reported. Five primary schools and one secondary school had RE inspected; one primary school had a re-inspection. The provision for collective worship and SMSC is as follows: At primary level schools met statutory provision for collective worship. Spiritual development is grade 2 or above in every school where judgements have been made about SMSC. Where no judgments have been provided it is noted that the majority of schools promote pupils’ SMSC effectively. In one school it is noted that opportunities to promote spiritual development are seldom developed fully within school life. Good features:

The legal requirements for collective worship are met. Collective worship makes a positive contribution to pupils’ spiritual

and moral development. Opportunities for pupils to celebrate their own cultures, faiths and

special achievements. Opportunities for pupils to reflect on main messages. Strong emphasis on school values and a sense of community. Contributions made to the acts of collective worshiping by visiting

clergy and other members of the community Shortcomings:

Insufficient opportunities for pupils to participate and to reflect on issues.

At secondary level statutory requirements for collective worship are met. Pupils make good progress in SMSC. Pupils are encouraged to actively participate in assemblies and these experiences contribute well to SMSC. 3.2 COLLECTIVE WORSHIP RESOURCES

Schools were informed of appropriate resources and websites that support collective worship in schools.

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Section 4 Other Issues 4.1 WASACRE SACRE has continued to affiliate to WASACRE and representatives have attended its meetings. During the 2009-10 academic year Swansea local authority was pleased to host the WASACRE meeting of Spring 2010. Issues considered at WASACRE meetings have been fully reported back to SACRE and full discussions have taken place. Ms Vicky Thomas, their professional adviser, represents SACRE on the WASACRE Executive and Rev Eldon Phillips was elected to replace David Williams for the remaining year of his tenure. Regular updates are received from Ms Thomas and other representatives from SACRE. The local authority and it SACRE were pleased to host the WASACRE meeting at Swansea and SACRE were pleased to be informed that a good number of SACRE members were in attendance and found it a profitable meeting. At its Summer meeting members contributed to the completion of the WASACRE questionnaire on SACREs and the Local Community. This was duly sent to the secretary of WASACRE by the completion date of July 20th 2010. 4.2 HOLOCAUST EDUCATION Swansea SACRE and schools were informed of this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day 2010 theme of Legacy of Hope’ and that Holocaust Memorial Day resources can be found on their website. As in previous years, the City and County of Swansea supported the commemoration and an event was held in the Grand Theatre opened by the Lord Mayor and the Leader of the Council. There were readings and presentations from the Chief Superintendent of Police, the founder of the Peace Mala, and from a representative of the Olive Trust. Two short films were shown from the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust and about the setting up of the Peace Mala. A former Chilean political prisoner gave his personal testimony of his memories of Pinochet’s military dictatorship in Chile during the 1970s. He also spoke of the warmth of the welcome he and his wife and baby received when they arrived in Swansea as refugees. A number of schools were involved in the event, with songs from the pupils of St. Helen’s Primary and Bishopston Comprehensive, and a group of musicians from YG Gwyr played a haunting composition. The statements of commitment were read by pupils from Birchgrove Comprehensive. The event was, as usual, very well attended by pupils from Swansea schools and from members of the public and representatives of a range of faith groups

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and organisations across the City and County of Swansea, including the Swansea SACRE. Gowerton Comprehensive School organised a special assembly to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day. The Chair of Governors spoke about her own family’s experiences at the hands of the Nazis and of the support they received and the opportunities they were given to make a new life here in Wales. Local dignitaries and SACRE members were present at the assembly along with pupils and staff of the school. The City and County of Swansea hosted the Anne Frank exhibition for the month of April. Over a hundred guests attended the launch of the exhibition and a survivor of the Kindertransport spoke of her experiences in Nazi Germany and of having to adjust to her new life in Britain without her parents. Over 600 pupils visited the exhibition. 15 volunteers, most of them university students in Swansea, were trained to escort visitors around the exhibition. An olive tree and time capsule - containing hopes, wishes and thoughts for the future - were planted in the garden of Swansea Museum, the location for the exhibition, to mark the closing of the exhibition in Swansea. SACRE discussed how some schools were embracing the issues raised by HMD very seriously and reference was made to some primary and secondary schools who were conducting activities and acts of collective worship to commemorate the day. SACRE has been informed that Wales had been included in the Lessons from Auschwitz programme for 2010. A trip to Auschwitz took place in March 2010 and SACRE received a list of schools and colleges in Swansea that were in attendance. A full report of the visit was received from their SACRE Adviser, Vicky Thomas who had been invited to attend the visit to Auschwitz. SACRE agreed to visit Gowerton Comprehensive for their Autumn meeting and receive feedback from students on their experiences. 4.3 THE RELIGIOUS EDUCATION FESTIVAL MARCH 2011 SACRE has discussed the National RE Festival for England and Wales scheduled to take place in March 2011 organised by the RE Council for England and Wales. The purpose of the festival is to celebrate and publicise the value and importance of RE for schools and communities. It provides an opportunity for schools in the authority to showcase all the good practice that takes place in RE and for schools to develop and strengthen links with their local community to encourage and develop community cohesion. SACRE resolved to inform schools by letter and flyer of the RE Festival and to encourage them to celebrate this event in some way. They were informed of the intention to have national competitions, a national song composed and specially written acts of collective worship. Schools were directed to the national website www.celebratingre.org for further information and a range of ideas for classroom activities.

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The local authority and its SACRE will continue to discuss their involvement in the RE Festival at future meetings in the next academic year and will encourage schools to use the website not only to access information and enter competitions but also to showcase events and activities planned to take place at their schools. 4.4 THE RESILIENCE PROJECT SACRE and schools were informed of the REsilience project managed by the RE council of England and Wales under contracts with DCELLS (Wales) and DCSF (England). It is designed to support teachers of religious education in maintained secondary schools whilst also supporting the government’s community cohesion strategy. It has been initiated to equip RE teachers with the knowledge and skills to increase their confidence in addressing contentious issues which arise in classrooms - particularly those that relate to religion, belief, ethnicity, negative stereotyping and religious extremism.

The REsilience project funds support for departments or individuals to deal with such contentious issues through the use of a mentor to support each school, identifying a catalogue of resources, with ‘gateway’ documents which give a brief overview of a contentious issue and ‘signposts’ pointing to reliable and relevant resources for the teacher to research further. SACRE resolved to inform secondary schools by letter and flyer of the project and to recommend schools to find further information from their website www.RE-silience.org.uk and if interested to register their interest online. 4.5 TRAINING FOR SACRE MEMBERS As part of its training for members SACRE proposed the following: To keep members updated on developments in RE through regular

presentations to SACRE members. Two presentations were made this year. Firstly by Eldon Phillips, Chair of SACRE on his Visit to India and his experience of working with a school for children with learning difficulties and local hospitals. He outlined some of the religious beliefs and practices of the country. Secondly a presentation was received on Religious Education in Sketty Primary from Mrs Sumitra De Kayne the RE co-ordinator. Sketty School had been asked to host the meeting because they had been awarded a Grade 1 in their recent Estyn inspection. Mrs De Kayne outlined the RE curriculum at the school identifying its good practice in RE.

To hold meetings at places of worship of faith communities represented

on SACRE. This would provide faith communities the opportunity to conduct a guided tour of the building and an explanation of their main beliefs and practices. This year a visit to the Buddhist Centre in Swansea took place.

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Where possible to hold meetings at schools in Swansea so members can familiarise themselves with RE and collective worship in schools. This year one SACRE meeting was held at Sketty Primary school and a presentation was received from the RE co-ordinator and an act of collective worship was observed on the theme of ‘Forgiveness’.

All SACRE members to be issued with copies of LEA and SACRE

documents concerned with Religious Education and Collective Worship.

SACRE is very appreciative of these opportunities for visiting schools and places of worship and would like to extend their appreciation to all concerned. A special note of thanks is extended to the clerk to SACRE, Jain Watkins for all her hard work in making such arrangements.

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APPENDIX 1: SWANSEA SACRE MEMBERSHIP 2009/2010

CHRISTIAN DENOMINATIONS AND OTHER RELIGIONS – 15 MEMBERS

Church in Wales (3): Mrs Kathleen Boyce, 70 Owls Lodge Lane, Mayals, Swansea, SA3 5DP –

01792.405852 – kathleenboyce@tiscali.co.uk

Mrs Hazel Marshall, The Deanery, Cathedral Close, Brecon, LD3 9DP – 01874.623344 – brecondanery@btinternet.com – Resigned 28.04.10

Rev. Eldon Phillips, Plot 2, Glasfryn Nurseries, Llanelli, Carms.,

SA15 3LN 01554.744770 - reveldon@btinternet.com

Roman Catholic (3): Sister Carmel Reynolds, St. Illtyd’s Church, 20 Longford Road,

Danygraig, Swansea, SA1 8HS w.e.f. 18.03.09

Mr Cliff Sarfas, 118 Sketty Road, Sketty, Swansea, SA2 0JX

Mr. Eugene Scourfield, Head of Religious Education, Bishop Vaughan Comprehensive School, Mynydd Garnlwyd Road, Morriston, Swansea, SA6 7QC – Resigned 13.7.10

Nonconformist (3):

Mr Ray Bromham, 70 Sketty Road, Sketty,Swansea,SA2 0JZ tel 521 772 – ray.bromham@ntlworld.com (Baptist)

Mrs. Mari Lynne Jones, 50 Glanffrwyd Road, Pontarddulais, Swansea, SA4 8QE – 01267.224959 (Welsh Independent)

Miss Janet Neilson, 19 Gabalfa Road, Sketty, Swansea, SA2 8NF

01792.202085 jmgrenson@btinternet.com (Methodist)

Hebrew Community (1): Mrs Norma Glass, Flat 4 Rembrant Court, Masefield Way, Sketty,

Swansea, SA2 9FG – 01792.206404 Muslim Community (2): Ms. Shereen F. B. Aziz, CEMVO, 60 Walter Road, Swansea, SA1 5PZ –

e-mail shereenw@gmail.com

Mrs Momena Ali, 78 Marlborough Road, Brynmill, Swansea SA2 0DZ – 07811215347

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Hindu Community (1): Mr. Tarakanath (Taliah) Das, Hindu Temple, Craddock Street, Swansea

Sikh Community (1):

Mrs Simmar Kaur Sura, Little Brook, Mynydd Cerrig, Pontyberem Llanelli SA15 5BD. 07894063231 01269871018

Buddhist Community (1):

Ms Kelsang Tumo, Dharmavajra Centre, Springfield House Ffynone Road, Swansea, SA1 6DE 07916674336

TEACHER ASSOCIATIONS (8):

SHA Mr P D Llewellyn, Olchfa Comprehensive, Sketty, Swansea, SA2 7AB - 01792.534300

ATL Ms. Sian Richards, Birchgrove Primary, Heol Nant Bran, Birchgrove, Swansea SA7 9LS 01792 814814

NUT Ms Alison Lewis, Cefn Hengoed Community School,

Caldicot Rd, Winch Wen, Swansea, SA1 7HX 01792 773464

NAS/UWT Mrs. Sian Thomas, Head of R.E., Bishopston

Comprehensive School, The Glebe, Bishopston, Swansea, SA3 3JP – 01792.234121 rs434981@bishopston.swansea.sch.uk

UCAC Ms. S Morgan, Ysgol Gyfun Gwyr, Talbot Street,

Gowerton, Swansea, SA4 3DB – 01792.872403

NAHT Mr Damian Beech, Mayals Primary, Fairwood Road, West

Cross, Swansea, SA3 5JP, 01792.402755

VOICE Ms Heather Hansen, Bishop Vaughan Catholic

Comprehensive, Mynydd Garnllwyd Road, Morriston, Swansea SA6 7QG, 01792.77206

UCU Mrs Linda Maddocks, Trinity College, College Road, Carmarthen, SA31 3EP

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LOCAL EDUCATION AUTHORITY (7): Cllr W. Fitzgerald, 10 Clos Cilfwnwr, Penllergaer, Swansea, SA4 9BU

01792.895330

Cllr R. D. Lewis, Northwood, Horton, Swansea, SA3 1LQ 01792.390368

Cllr Mervyn Jones, 34 Gelli Street, Port Tennant, Swansea, SA1 8NT 07967252433

Cllr J Newbury, 40 Priors Way, Dunvant, Swansea SA2 7UJ

01792.201220

Cllr John Miles, Tylecoch, Highland Terrace, Pontarddulais, Swansea, SA4 8JS 01792.883000

Cllr Janet Thomas, 4 Westfa Road, Uplands, Swansea, SA2 0PR 01792 298468

CO-OPTED MEMBERSHIP: Mrs M Vanston, 1 Cambridge Street, Uplands, Swansea, SA2 0ND

01792.296375

Mr D Williams, 6 Hospital Road, Gorseinon, Swansea SA4 4QL 01792.892766

SACRE OFFICERS: Mrs Vicky Thomas, c/o ESIS, Tŷ Dysgw, Cefn Coed, Nantgarw, Trefforest,

CF15 7QQ – 01443.827584 (Work)

Mrs P Davies, City & County of Swansea, Education Dept. Civic Centre, Swansea, SA1 3SN – 01792.636367

SECRETARY Ms C J Watkins, School & Governor Unit, City & County of Swansea,

Education Dept., Civic Centre, Swansea, SA1 3SN – 01792.636551

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APPENDIX 2 SCHEDULE AND AGENDA OF MEETINGS The main items of business on the agenda included: November 5th 2009 at the Guildhall, Swansea Election of Officers Schedule of Meetings 2009/10 SACRE Annual Report 2008-09 SACRE Development Plan 2006-2009: Progress Report SACRE Development Plan 2009-12 Analysis of Inspection Reports 2008-09 INSET needs and Plans 2009-2010 Holocaust Memorial Day 2010 WASACRE Meetings Correspondence February 23rd 2010 at Sketty Primary School Observation of an act of collective worship followed by SACRE meeting Presentation ‘A Visit to India’ - Eldon Phillips Presentation ‘RE at Sketty Primary’ - Mrs Sumitra De Kayne Analysis of Examination Results Summer 2009 National Holocaust Memorial Day 2010- Feedback WASACRE Meetings The REsilience Project: Update Correspondence June 16th 2010 at The Buddhist Centre, FfynoneRoad. Tour of Buddhist Centre and observation of a meditation Membership Update Anne Frank Exhibition Feedback from Rebecca Gouch The National RE Festival March 2011 Completion of WASACRE Questionnaire WASACRE Meetings and Executive Voting Correspondence Dates of future meetings

APPENDIX 3: SWANSEA SACRE DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2009 – 2012 (ACADEMIC YEAR)

Aim 1: to monitor standards in religious education and Religious Studies in order to raise standards.

Plan of action Schedule People involved

Time and costs

Outcomes Progress

1.1 Monitor standards through regular review of inspection reports; recommend, where necessary, action by LEA.

Autumn 2009 Autumn 2010 Autumn 2011

Full SACRE LEA Officers and Adviser

Agenda time Officer time for analysis

Consider digest of issues raised in reports from previous academic year. Receive copy of School Action Plan to address issues raised Letters of congratulations sent to successful schools. INSET to address issues raised in reports Training for Governors Advice to LEA on trends across the county borough; advice, where appropriate, on particular schools.

2009/10 Considered 5.11.09

1.2 Analyse examination entries and results for religious studies and religious education

Spring 2010 Spring 2011 Spring 2012

Full SACRE LEA Officers and Adviser

Agenda time Adviser time for analysis

Send SACRE report to schools Advice to LEA on trends; advice, where appropriate, on particular schools. Offer advice on setting targets for future performance.

2009/10 Considered 23.2.10

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SWANSEA SACRE DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2009 – 2012 (ACADEMIC YEAR)

Aim 2: To monitor provision of the agreed syllabus and support its implementation

Plan of action Schedule People involved

Time and costs Outcomes Progress

2.1 To update SACRE members of guidance on RE given by DCELLS, WJEC and other relevant bodies

Updates as appropriate Autumn’ 09 WJEC KS3 Moderation Conference Ongoing

Full SACRE Adviser

Advisory time Attendance at conferences

Informed SACRE Informed schools

2009/10 SACRE were informed of the WJEC/ DCELLS moderation pilot taking place in 2009/10.

2.2 To support implementation of the agreed syllabus for RE

Autumn 2009 Spring 2010 Autumn 2010 Spring 2011 Ongoing

Full SACRE Adviser

Advisory time

Training programme for schools on implementing agreed syllabus.

2009/10 Training on assessment provided for primary schools to aid teachers understanding of the agreed syllabus levels and of progression.

2.3 To review the Agreed syllabus for Religious Education

Summer 2012

Full SACRE Adviser Working group Standing Conference

Advisory time Working party costs Publishing costs

Training programme for schools on implementing revised agreed syllabus. Revised agreed syllabus implemented into schools Autumn 2013 or as appropriate.

2009/10 Not applicable till 2012

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SWANSEA SACRE DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2009 – 2012 (ACADEMIC YEAR)

Aim 3: to monitor provision and provide support for religious education and collective worship Plan of action Schedule People

involved Time and

costs Outcomes Progress

3.3 Identify INSET needs, deliver INSET and monitor provision

Autumn 2009 Autumn 2010 Autumn 2011

Full SACRE Venue Providers Literature

Training programme received along with figures on uptake; advice to LEA.

2009/10 Considered 5.11.09

3.2 Monitor provision for collective worship through regular review of inspection reports; recommend, where necessary, action by LEA.

Annual agenda item

Full SACRE and Adviser

Agenda time Adviser time for analysis

Advice to LEA on trends across the county borough; advice, where appropriate, on particular schools; follow up through school visits and review of action plan where necessary.

2009/10 Considered 5.1 1.09

3.3 Programme of school visits to include observation of Collective Worship where possible.

Annually as required

SACRE members

Member time; Adviser / Officer time to arrange visits

Feedback to SACRE to inform discussion on provision.

2009/10 Visited Sketty Primary school and observed an act of collective worship 23.2.10. Schools informed of collective worship resources and websites.

3.4 To support the National RE Festival March 2011

Pre and Post Spring 2011

SACRE members Schools Local Authority

Adviser / Officer time

Celebrate the contribution of RE to education. Showcase good practice in RE. Support community cohesion and local communities.

2009/10 SACRE have discussed the RE Festival and agreed to inform schools and encourage their participation.

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SWANSEA SACRE DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2009-2012(ACADEMIC YEAR)

Aim 4: to provide support for governors and SACRE members

Plan of action Schedule People involved

Time and costs Outcomes Progress

4.1 Inform governors of any changes affecting RE and Collective worship in schools

Autumn 2009

Advisers Adviser time

Bulletin and updates to be sent to governing bodies Training for governors, if appropriate

2009/10 N/A

4.2 Provide training for SACRE members during SACRE meetings

Ongoing annually

Advisers LEA Officers SACRE members

Agenda time Adviser time

Input from Advisers, LEA officers and SACRE members. More informed SACRE members Visits to schools and places of worship to be more informed of faith stances and awareness of RE in schools

2009/10 Presentation on a visit to India by Eldon Phillips and RE in the primary school by RE co-ordinator at Sketty Primary on 23.2.10. Visit to one primary school (Spring 2010) and the Buddhist Centre (Summer 2010)

APPENDIX 4: EXAMINATIONS ANALYSIS 2009 GCSE FULL COURSE RELIGIOUS STUDIES 2009 (YEAR 11) Swansea

2009 Swansea

2008 Swansea

2007 Wales 2009

A*-A

22.2%

28.7%

27.1%

32.1%

A*-C

67.0%

75.5%

70.9%

71.9%

A*- G

98.3%

97.7%

98.7%

98.7%

Entry Number

469

11 schools

567

11 schools

532

10 schools

8042

COEA/ELQ IN YEAR 11 2009

3 schools entered pupils for CoEA.

CoEA 2009 2008 2007

Pass rate 87.1% 31 entries

87.8% 41 entries

100% 13 entries

GCSE RELIGIOUS STUDIES 2009 (SHORT COURSE) Year 11 Swansea

2009 Swansea

2008 Swansea

2007 Wales 2009

A*-A

16.6%

14.7%

15.8%

21.0%

A*-C

57.1%

53.6%

51.0%

59.2%

A*-G

96.5%

96.5%

93.2%

97.7%

Entry Number

741

11 schools

830

10 schools

631

9 schools

17,288

GCSE RELIGIOUS STUDIES (SHORT COURSE) Year 10

Swansea 2009

Swansea 2008

Swansea 2007

A*-A

29.4%

13.3%

23.0%

A*-C

76.2%

55.0%

75.0%

A*- G

98.4%

95.0%

98.0%

Entry Number

126

5 schools

120

4 schools

148

4 schools

25

APPENDIX 4: EXAMINATIONS ANALYSIS 2009 GCE RELIGIOUS STUDIES (A LEVEL) Year 13 Swansea

2009 Swansea

2008 Swansea 2007

Wales 2009

A

21.4%

34.1%

36.3%

26.3%

A-C 82.1%

75.6%

81.8%

79.7%

A –E

100%

100%

95.5%

98.7%

Entry Number

28

4 schools

41

4 schools

44

4 schools

1,112

GCE RELIGIOUS STUDIES (AS LEVEL) Year 13

Swansea 2009 Swansea 2008 Swansea 2007 Wales 2009

A

15.6% (Year 13)

34.6% (Year 12) 23.5% (Year 13)

43.3% (Year 12) 19.0% (Year 13)

18.4%

A –C 43.8% (Year 13)

73.1% (Year 12) 52.9% 9Year 13)

76.7% (Year 12) 52.4% (Year 13)

62.0%

A –E

87.5% (Year 13)

92.3% (Year 12) 94.1% (year 13)

96.7% (Year 12) 90.5% (year 13)

90.4%

Entry Number

32 (Year 13)

2 schools No WAG data –

(Year 12)

26 (Year 12)

3 schools 17 (Year 13)

4 schools

30 (Year 12)

4 schools 21 (Year 13)

3 schools

1623

26

APPENDIX 5 : CIRCULATION OF REPORT City and County of Swansea Education Authority Department for Curriculum, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills (DCELLS) Headteachers and Governing Bodies of all Schools and Colleges in the city and County of Swansea

Principal and Governing Body of Swansea Tertiary College University of Wales, Swansea (Swansea Metropolitan University) University of Wales, Swansea, Education Department, Hendrefoilan Diocese of Swansea and Brecon Religious Studies Resource Centre, Trinity College, Carmarthen All members of SACRE Education School Improvement Service (ESIS) All Welsh SACREs WASACRE Welsh National Centre for Religious Education, Bangor National Library of Wales Religious Education Movement Wales (REMW) Minister for Education, National Assembly ESTYN