An unbiased evaluation into the nationwide curriculum for faculties has highlighted the pressing want for standardised spiritual training (RE) throughout the nation and larger topic specialism to make sure “mastery within the topic”.
The Nationwide Affiliation of Academics of Non secular Schooling (NATRE) and the Non secular Schooling Council of England and Wales (REC) have expressed their help for the findings, viewing them as a step in direction of making certain high-quality RE for all college students.
Particularly, NATRE, which represents RE lecturers at major, secondary and tertiary ranges throughout the nation, was happy to see that proof offered in their very own submission was acknowledged within the evaluation.
Their proof highlighted vital gaps in each the “high quality and availability of RE throughout the nation”.
Accordingly, these irregularities are negatively affecting college students’ capability to “navigate an more and more various society” round them, the academic our bodies argued.
Each NATRE and REC have been inspired by the report’s recognition of high-quality RE as important to social cohesion, civic improvement, and serving to college students to “broaden their horizons” by understanding totally different views.
They welcomed the report’s suggestion of topic specialism by the elevation of well-trained lecturers who can help college students in making use of spiritual values each within the classroom and within the wider world.
The evaluation’s findings additionally reinforce REC’s espousal for a Nationwide Content material Normal in RE.
Wanting forward, each NATRE and REC have expressed their dedication to working with the evaluation panel and different stakeholders “to make sure that RE is given the help and recognition it deserves”, and “to reinforce the standard and consistency of RE provision, making certain that every one youngsters and younger individuals, no matter their location, household background or prior attainment, obtain the training they deserve”.
“We’re eager to supply the views of lecturers of RE in all phases of training, for the following stage of the evaluation,” NATRE stated.
“We hope that the panel will work with us to develop options that recognise the necessity for flexibility for several types of faculty, whereas permitting all pupils in all faculties to expertise an academically rigorous and personally inspiring training in faith and worldviews.”
Echoing this sentiment, NEC remarked, “We’re desperate to contribute our insights into the following stage of the report, making certain we collaborate to make sure that each younger individual experiences an academically rigorous and personally inspiring training in faith and worldviews.
“Such an training is integral to a broad and balanced curriculum outlined within the interim report, fostering neighborhood cohesion and getting ready college students to navigate a various, complicated and dynamic world.
“To deal with the challenges dealing with RE, lecturers should play a central position in shaping its future.”
