Contact: Clive Erricker, 02392 441459, [email protected]

1 Summary

1.1 Hampshire County Council has a strong reputation for religious education and high standards have been achieved according to Ofsted findings (2002/2003). Pupils of all backgrounds need to understand ideas and principles so that, as they move through their school careers, they can develop their capacity to make choices about religion and to understand the beliefs and choices of others. Understanding the historical and cultural significance of religion is similarly important.

1.2 It is a national statutory requirement to review locally agreed syllabuses for religious education every five years. As a result a new Agreed Syllabus has been approved by the Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE). The new Agreed Syllabus `Living Difference' replaces the present Agreed Syllabus `Vision and Insight' as from September 2004.

1.3 The new Agreed Syllabus is a response to initiatives during the last five years with a view to raising standards in religious education and providing guidance on good teaching and learning.

1.4 The syllabus "Living Difference" addresses items 1,4 and 5 of the corporate strategy. Race and equality impact has been taken into account in the preparation of the document and its contents reflect the diversity of our communities.

2 Characteristics of the new Agreed Syllabus

2.1 A review of the present Agreed Syllabus, was based on a questionnaire to all schools. A working group consisting of teachers and SACRE representatives advised SACRE. The new Agreed Syllabus has a new and unique approach as it, primarily, addresses two issues: conceptual development and a methodology for teaching and learning in religious education. Copies are available in the Members Room and can also be viewed on the Hampshire RE website (www.hampshire-reweb.co.uk)

3 Conceptual development

3.1 Conceptual development is identified as the key focus for the content (knowledge and understanding) of religious education as pupils progress through foundation stage to Key Stage 4. The new agreed syllabus identifies three categories of concepts to ensure progression in conceptual development.

4 Methodology for teaching and learning

4.1 A methodology for teaching and learning (enquiry and skills) has been presented to ensure a balance of enquiry and pupil response. This applies across all key stages to ensure continuity.

5 Level descriptions for pupil attainment

5.1 Levels for pupil attainment are included within the new Agreed Syllabus to ensure that assessment of pupils' progress is monitored and recorded in accordance with their knowledge and understanding.

6. Overall design

6.1 Conceptual development, methodology for teaching and learning, and level descriptors are identified in appendix 1.

Recommendations

1 That the PRC notes the changes within the new agreed syllabus in Hampshire

2 That the PRC endorses SACRE's approval of the new Agreed Syllabus for religious education

3 That it be recommended to the Executive member for Education that the Agreed

Syllabus for religious education "Living Difference" be adopted.

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background documents

The following documents discuss facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and have been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

NB: the list excludes

1. Published works

2. Documents which disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.