Agenda and minutes

There were no announcements.

SACRE welcomed Shahanaz Begum as a new member of Panel A. Ms Begum introduced herself. She had worked for the civil service and for local government, and was now studying Islamic law. She also taught at a supplementary school held on the Camden School for Girls site at weekends.

Apologies were received from Sinead Whelan, Jean Harrison, Julian Fulbrook, Lynne Trigg, Tracey Edwards, Krishna Pujara, Phil Rosenberg, Don Williams and Lynndy Levin.

There were no declarations of interest.

To consider the minutes of the meeting held on 17^th June 2014.

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting held on 17^th June 2014.

Further to page 4 of the minutes, there was a discussion on the importance of having information about SACRE’s agreed syllabus on the website that Camden’s Children, Schools and Families directorate was establishing to help teachers and schools.

RESOLVED –

THAT the minutes of the meeting held on 17^th June 2014 be approved and signed as a correct record.

To consider applications for Determinations.

Consideration was given to the submission from Gospel Oak School.

The Chair informed members that the SACRE visit to the school had been on Rosh Hashana. The school assembly that day had linked into this, with talk of new beginnings and the new school year.

Members noted that the school had consulted with parents and governors before submitting the Determination request. Ms Fuller asked if any children had been withdrawn from school’s assemblies by their parents. She was informed that none were.

It was noted that the Head had not explicitly said at the assembly that those children who wished to pray could pray at the time for silent reflection. Councillor Roy wondered whether younger children would understand the concept of prayer.

Concern was expressed that the collective worship aims on page 13 did not include the word “worship”. Councillor Quadir expressed concern that there was not enough mention of religious holidays and events in the list of assembly themes on page 17.

It was suggested that the Professional Adviser to SACRE could write to the school to let them know that the Determination had been approved, but that members had expressed concern about the balance of themes.

                                                ACTION: Professional Advisor to SACRE (LP)

RESOLVED –

THAT a Determination be granted to Gospel Oak School.

The Chair informed the meeting that he had arranged visits to Kingsgate and Fitzjohns schools. He also said that he would be visiting Camden School for Girls.

Michelle Chalibamba said that her school was keen to arrange for a renewal of its Determination. Lesley Prior, the Professional Advisor to SACRE, undertook to liaise with Ms Chalibamba about this.

Members also asked that an up-to-date list of schools with Determinations and those without Determinations be compiled.

                                                ACTION: Clerk to SACRE (VS)

There was a discussion about having a conference for RE co-ordinators and Headteachers. It could be held jointly with Islington.

The Chair suggested that the British Museum could be the venue for the meeting. He also suggested working with the Three Faiths Forum, which was the Camden’s Mayor’s chosen charity for the year.

Concern was expressed about the lack of training available to some teachers who had RE responsibilities. The Chair said that he would write to Jean Lang, Head of Primary School Improvement, to raise this issue. Additionally, because of the increased focus by OFSTED on whether schools were teaching “British values”, it was thought to be useful if a briefing could be provided from schools in how to handle this requirement.

Members noted that non-statutory national guidance was being produced for RE by a subject committee. Members asked if the guidance was stating a minimum number of hours which needed to be provided in terms of religious education.

Ms Prior said that it did not specify the minimum number of hours required. The standard expectation in the past had been that 5% of curriculum hours would be for RE, and concern was expressed that this was being cut – especially following on from the exclusion of RE from the English Baccalaureate.  

Lesley Prior highlighted that the National Association of SACREs was having its AGM in Birmingham on 21^st May 2015. The keynote speakers would be Charles Clarke and Denise Cush (from Bath Spa University).

Michelle Chalibamba mentioned that Hampstead School was having a Remembrance Day event on 11^th November at 6pm and circulated information about it.

Future meetings of Camden SACRE will be on:

·         Tuesday, 3^rd February 2015

·         Tuesday, 2^nd June 2015

It was noted that future meetings of SACRE would be on:

·         Tuesday, 3^rd February 2015

·         Tuesday, 2^nd June 2015