AGREED SYLLABUS FOR RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
2008
Darlington Agreed Syllabus for RE 2008 Children’s Services
Darlington Agreed Syllabus for RE 2008 Children’s Services
FOREWORD
We are pleased to commend the new Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education that has been adopted by Darlington Children’s Services. It is the outcome of a five-year statutory review process carried out by Darlington Agreed Syllabus Conference.
The revision of the Agreed Syllabus provides a framework for Darlington schools to take Religious Education forward in the next five years. We believe this Agreed Syllabus will not only help teachers as they deliver good quality Religious Education in our voluntary controlled and community schools, but will also make a positive contribution to the Every Child Matters agenda, and the enhancement of the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of all pupils. We are particularly pleased to note the emphasis put on continuity and progression within and between key stages, inclusion, and the vital role Religious Education plays in encouraging race equality and community cohesion.
May we take this opportunity to thank all those involved in the process of revision, particularly all the teachers who made such valuable contributions to the review and consultation process.
Murray Rose Councillor Chris McEwan Director of Children’s Services Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services
Darlington Agreed Syllabus for RE 2008 Children’s Services
PREFACE
It is always a delight and a privilege to commend a fresh working document, especially one that is designed to aid and develop a particular aspect of the school curriculum. The Darlington Agreed Syllabus for the teaching of Religious Education has been revised and renewed. This document is the final outcome of a five-year statutory review process, which in itself called for a rigorous and objective assessment of current practice. The practical value of the Agreed Syllabus has been recognised and encouraged by all concerned – from the initial teacher consultations through to approval by the Council.
I am convinced that Head Teachers, RE Coordinators and their classroom colleagues will discover many innovative and sound teaching exemplars that will encourage and inspire them to develop and expand their pupils’ understanding and appreciation of all religions in local, national and global settings.
In recording my thanks and appreciation to schools for their wholehearted cooperation in this review, I especially thank Eunice Greenslade (Senior School Development Officer, Darlington Borough Council) for her personal support and wise counsel; Marilyn Longstaff (Educational Consultant), who prepared and wrote the document; and Darlington Children’s Services Department for many hours’ reading, typing and retyping the document prior to its distribution.
I look forward to future links with schools as this Agreed Syllabus is introduced to the pupils in our voluntary controlled and community schools – I feel certain that it will make a positive contribution to the Every Child Matters agenda and enhance the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of all pupils.
Peter King Chair of Darlington SACRE and Agreed Syllabus Conference
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Darlington Agreed Syllabus for RE 2008 Children’s Services
INTRODUCTION – THE REVIEW
This newly revised Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education is the product of several months of consultation, deliberation and discussion, and was formally adopted by the Agreed Syllabus Conference in March 2008.
The Hartlepool Agreed Syllabus 2006 and the first national non-statutory framework for Religious Education, published in October 2004, have been used as the basis of this revision. Also, of great value has been the contribution of teachers who have taken part in a comprehensive consultation process.
What will stay the same?
• The Structure based on Concepts, Skills, Attitudes a