Revamped RE syllabus for Diocesan Schools

Church of England Schools in eight of the nine local authorities in the diocese will soon be working to a revamped RE syllabus.

The local authorities have reviewed the syllabus in the light of the recommendations of the new non-statutory national framework for RE, published by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority in 2004.

The new syllabus builds on the good points of the last with a change of emphasis in some areas.

There is new focus on putting questions at the heart of the syllabus, engaging children in debate, enquiry and exploration and developing their thinking skills.

The new syllabus also contains more structured guidance for teachers in the foundation stage.

The Key Stage 3 section for 11-14 year olds has been  reworked and significantly, all schools will be required to ensure that all children aged 14-16 follow an examination course in RE, even if they will not sit the exam, providing a more structured, coherent approach to the study of religion.

‘Overall the re-worked syllabus is intended to provide a more balanced approach to each of the main religions rather than a festival here and a Bible story there’, said Education adviser Jo Fageant, who has been instrumental in consultations.

‘In the higher age groups there will be more chance for quality debate and dialogue about religious issues of today such as ethics,’ she said.

The syllabus is due to be published in Buckingham-shire this month and in Oxfordshire in January 2007.

Jo told the DOOR: ‘The changes represent a positive move forward and updates the approach to RE in schools. The new criteria lay down clear descriptions for teachers to judge attainment and progress in the subject and gives pupils a co-ordinated, meaningful understanding of the subject.’