The Religious Education Council of England and Wales (REC) welcomes the publication of the Curriculum and Assessment Review’s Interim Report and extends its gratitude to Professor Becky Francis and the panel members for their dedicated efforts.

The report recognises the value of teaching high-quality religious education. In its opening paragraphs, the report recognises the power of the curriculum to support a “flourishing civil society” as well as “promoting social cohesion.” It promotes the value of learning as an ability to see others’ perspectives and “broaden their horizons.” Religious Education is a subject best placed to do this.

The panel concluded that, “evidence suggests that a lack of national agreed content standards has led to national disparities in the quality of provision”

Importantly, the interim report also recognises the importance of subject specialism in supporting “mastery in the subject” as a means to put these values into action in the classroom and the world beyond.

This focus aligns with our longstanding advocacy for a high-quality education in religion and worldviews as an entitlement for every child. Sadly, our evidence has consistently demonstrated that many children are missing out on this vital aspect of their education across the country. We were therefore pleased that the work of the panel concluded that, “evidence suggests that a lack of national agreed content standards has led to national disparities in the quality of provision”.

The REC’s National Content Standard has already achieved a broad consensus and demonstrates that high-quality RE can be delivered across all types of school.

The REC brings together a diversity of voices interested in the teaching of Religious Education (RE) across England and Wales. We believe that supporting a National Content Standard is essential to eliminate the current inconsistencies, while maintaining the religious character of different schools and communities across the country. The REC’s National Content Standard has already achieved a broad consensus and demonstrates that high-quality RE can be delivered across all types of school.  Our National Statement of Entitlement provides a robust framework to ensure that all students have access to high-quality RE, regardless of their geographical location.

We are eager to contribute our insights into the next stage of the report, ensuring we collaborate to ensure that every young person experiences an academically rigorous and personally inspiring education in religion and worldviews. Such an education is integral to a broad and balanced curriculum outlined in the interim report, fostering community cohesion and preparing students to navigate a diverse, complex and dynamic world.

Our National Statement of Entitlement provides a robust framework to ensure that all students have access to high-quality RE, regardless of their geographical location.

We remain committed to working collaboratively to enhance the quality and consistency of RE provision, ensuring that all children and young people, whatever their location, family background or prior attainment, receive the education they deserve.

 

 

Notes

The Review’s interim report can be found here: Curriculum and Assessment Review: interim report – GOV.UK
The REC’s National Content Standard for RE in England is a non-statutory benchmark for syllabus writers. It can be found here.
The REC’s recent Member Survey on RE Curriculum and Assessment made A Consensus Call for Change to RE. Found here. 

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About the Religious Education Council of England and Wales

Established in 1973, the Religious Education Council of England and Wales brings together over 60 national organisations. These comprise academic and professional associations specialising in religious education, as well as individual religion and belief organisations representative of the range of communities found nationally.