Curriculum Review: How NATRE is championing religious education.

The National Association of Teachers of Religious Education (NATRE) welcomes the interim report from the government-commissioned Curriculum and Assessment Review, which highlights the significant challenges facing Religious Education (RE) in schools.

Our submission to the review provided clear and extensive evidence of the vast differences in both the quality and availability of RE across the country. This inconsistency is impacting children’s education and their ability to navigate an increasingly diverse society. We are pleased that the review panel has acknowledged these concerns, highlighting that the lack of agreed standards has led to national disparities in provision.

It is encouraging, however, to see that 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 well placed to do this. Importantly, the interim report also recognises the importance of well-trained teachers in supporting “mastery in the subject” as a means to put these values into action in the classroom and the world beyond.

We are keen to offer the perspectives of teachers of RE in all phases of education, for the next stage of the review. We hope that the panel will work with us to develop solutions that recognise the need for flexibility for different types of schools while allowing all pupils in all schools to experience an academically rigorous and personally inspiring education in religion and worldviews.

To address the challenges facing RE, teachers must play a central role in shaping its future. NATRE looks forward to working with its members, the review panel and a wide range of stakeholders to ensure that RE is given the support and recognition it deserves.

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For media enquiries and RE teaching images, please contact:

Colin Hallmark / Fred Sculthorp 3:nine Communications: 3nine.co.uk Tel: 07745 914170

Mubina Khan-Daniels NATRE Email: [email protected] Tel: 0121 415 3970 / 0121 4583313

Notes for editors:

RE Policy Unit

The Religious Education Policy Unit (REPU) is a strategic partnership between The National Association of Teachers of RE (NATRE), the Religious Education Council of England and Wales (REC) and RE Today Services. The combined membership of the REPU represents over 60 organisations and RE teachers in over 4000 schools in England and Wales.

NATRE

NATRE is the subject teacher association for RE professionals in primary and secondary schools and higher education, providing a representative voice at national level and publications and courses to promote professional development. NATRE’s Executive consists of a majority of serving teachers from primary and secondary schools who are elected for a three-year term of service.