To receive a presentation on the review of the Agreed Syllabus.

Mr M. McMaster, Business Development Manager, RE Today gave an update on the review of the Agreed Syllabus during which the following was outlined:

1.    A review of the draft Agreed Syllabus was needed in order for SACRE to meet its statutory responsibility.

2.    The Agreed Syllabus was a considerable document which was unique in the sense of the legal agreement and activities. Due to the change of the Levels system to age related expectations, any refresh would affect the whole document.

3.    Discussions were taking place with Luton Borough and Bedford Borough Councils to look at the options which included commissioning RE Today to produce a slimmed down version of the Agreed Syllabus with separate assessment units, replicating the approach taken by Hertfordshire County Council.

4.    RE Today are one of the only professional organisations who write professional RE publications as RE advisers (who used to write the Agreed Syllabus) no longer exist in some counties.

5.    RE Today had produced an ‘off the shelf’, loose leaf version of the Agreed Syllabus, the cost of which was slightly less than the bespoke version. This version was comprised of 70-80 pages of standard content which enabled individual pages and the contents page to be updated and local appendices to be added. Luton Borough Council had indicated their second option would be to adopt this version as it was a cost effective option whilst being sensitive to the local needs of school.

6.    RE Today could be commissioned to hold a hard copy of the Agreed Syllabus which could be reprinted for revenue. The local authority could also print and sell the Agreed Syllabus in its own local authority area although it was not possible to guarantee a re-coup of cost of the review.

7.    If the Agreed Syllabus was updated in partnership with Bedford Borough and Luton Borough Councils, the copyright would be a joint agreement with any revenue divided amongst the 3 local authorities and RE Today.

Points and comments included:

·         Why was a tailor made syllabus needed if a functional version had already been produced by other local authorities?

·         Feedback received from a large number of schools locally was that the Agreed Syllabus was one of the most important documents agreed by SACRE as it protected requirements locally.

·         The ‘off the self’ version was very general whereas the scheme of working in the existing Agreed Syllabus was extremely detailed and included guidance about lesson planning.  Using the ‘off the shelf’ version would be a step backwards for CBC as it has a strong local syllabus. Consistency across the local authority was needed.

·         The Jewish element in the Agreed Syllabus needed to be accurate. The document also needed to cover and present all faiths in an appropriate way.

·         There was a lack of funding available to undertake the review.

·         If the Agreed Syllabus was a statutory duty, funding needed available carry out this duty.

·         If the cost was over 2 years, would this be manageable in terms of the budget?

Members challenged the proposal significantly and expressed concern about the principle spend of £5,000.  After a lengthy discussion it was felt that clarification was needed about the amendments and additions required in order for a decision to be made about refreshing the Agreed Syllabus.

RESOLVED

1.    To work with Luton Borough Council on the option of a locally Agreed Syllabus.

2.    The  potential for recovery of costs would be explored where possible.

3.    An Agreed Syllabus conference is to be set up to discuss a work programme.