Regarding RE Hubs, EP shared slide on national and regional website. He stated that a number of people from Plymouth SACRE are represented on the website. Locally, schools now can find PCFCD, Plymouth Synagogue and other places in the Southwest. Local accredited speakers can also be found. He added that all of the PCFCD speakers are now linked through this network and effectively it is a one-stop-shop. RE jobs can also be advertised now on this website and the calendar can take you to the local events. They also arrange  CPD. MAT & Federation RE Leads meetings, the next meeting is on 1 April 2025. This is a great place for RE leaders needing networking opportunities.

EP also talked about NATRE response to the Curriculum and Assessment Review. Details shared on the slides.

EP shared a slide regarding a webinar on ‘Developing a Religion and Worldwide Views in RE in England’. KF also shared an Interfaith Webinar link. This was recorded by Jonathan Marshall, KF and representatives from the Welsh Interfaith Forum and RE Today. This is a free resource that can be used by secondary teachers.

EP has already submitted a response to DfE regarding ongoing curriculum review on behalf of Plymouth SACRE.

KF stated that before the submission, reps from NATRE were called to a meeting with other subject associations. They were told that when they submit evidence to the curriculum and assessment review, they should put in big asks or to offer opinion. It was about real hardcore evidence, so they used a lot of primary and secondary survey data from across the country about the picture of RE. They talked about what happens to that statutory requirement, how to ensure that schools are keeping to it, who monitors it, what does that look like etc. They highlighted a lot of issues and also mentioned where things are going well.

EP added that national curriculum was also discussed.  Some RE organisations such as the Religious Education Council have surveyed their members on it. It was not a requirement. It was something that they chose to do. They were broadly in favour of a national curriculum in RE.

EP talked about different views presented by delegates as to whether RE should be part of the national curriculum and shared some comments from RE leaders on this subject. More comments.

EP shared the slides on ‘REC: member survey on Curriculum and Assessment Review’. There was an equal support both for and against RE to be part of the national curriculum (39%) where the content is determined by the government.

Panel shared their thoughts on ‘Right of Withdrawal’, British values, local context,

KF said that if RE becomes part of the national curriculum then SACRE role will change.

EP shared slides on Lord Bilimoria’s article on Politics.co.uk showing the importance of RE

EP stated that Southwest SACRE conference took place on 4th March 2025. There were number of delegates from Plymouth Sacre and in total 38 delegates from across the Southwest.

Religious Education Council AGM will be on 1st May 2025 in London (not a public meeting). Becky Francis, who's leading the curriculum assessment review will be chairing.

KF gave insight on how NATRE are engaging with curriculum review and commented that this review is definitely listening to teachers.

EP informed that on the 26th and 27th of June, the second joint AREIAC / AULRE conference is being held the Exeter University where RE Advisors Group and the University Lecturers Group Associations will be meeting.

NASACRE annual conferencewill be held on Monday 19^th May 2025, 10:30 – 15:30 at Stratford Town Hall, London. Keynote speakers will include Dr Joyce Miller who will speak on what Religion and Worldviews can offer schools and society. Delegates will also have the invitation to attend two virtual workshops from Monday 2 June – Thursday 5 June.

Plymouth Members to contact EP or Chair if they would like to be a Plymouth SACRE rep.

RE Today has published a New Resource Project on understanding Muslims and Islam. NATRE members will get a free copy.

Oak National Academy is releasing free materials on religious education.

There is a resource on the SHAP website called An Audiobook for Religious Terms. You can click on it and can hear the words and phrases being spoken; really helpful for teachers who aren't familiar.