The delivery of high quality learning for Religious Education, Humanities and RSE in all schools
SACRE
Every borough must have a
Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE).
Each SACRE is made up of four groups representing teachers, faith groups and organisations in the area, as well as local Councillors and the Local Authority. The best SACREs also ensure inclusion of parental groups and other educators, so that they can make a difference to the teaching and learning of the subject in their schools
I am an experienced SACRE Advisor in several London Boroughs, supporting the interpretation of national legislation in the constant and continuing review of local policy, as well as bespoke Syllabus writing to ensure the fulfilment of statutory obligations at a high standard.
But much of my work though, goes far beyond this, to bring…
Schools And Communities
together to support and enhance
Religious Education
Your Local SACRE
"Your enthusiasm for SACRE is marvellous!"
- Baha'i SACRE Representative
With the increase of academisation, I have devised innovative strategies to build relationships with the LA and all the schools.
I also strongly believe that pupils are entitled to Religious Education that promotes pupils’ understanding of our multicultural and multifaith society, but it should also help them to appreciate and celebrate diversity in their local communities.
Therefore, I deploy my connections with nationally recognised charities and local organisations to actively promote collaborative working wherever I can. Having successfully written bids for additional funding, as well as my innovative problem solving and high level negotiatory and persuasive skills, has enabled me to inspire, design and lead a range of successful imaginative projects in addition to running popular teachers' networks.
These activities, including events, visits, competitions and curriculum writing, all consistently involve fresh and innovatory thinking to concurrently meet pupils’ needs across the spectrum of school leadership, teacher delivery as well as parental and local faith group engagement.
Your Locally Agreed Syllabus
By law, each SACRE has the right to develop their own Locally Agreed Syllabus.
If SACREs continue to purchase these from other companies or boroughs, then this may lead to a change in this law.
I therefore prefer to create a truly personalised and bespoke Locally Agreed Syllabus for each borough with whom I work, with contributions from all stakeholders at all levels, spanning a range of media and all phases of education, and at much less cost than purchasing one.
Having been involved in the process, schools are more able and more likely to consistently embed the new syllabus, will have built stronger relationships with each other and the SACRE, therefore providing a much stronger base for not just monitoring delivery, but also enthusiasm for continued collaborative working to further enhance the RE for all pupils.
I keep abreast of the latest research, and have a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of a wide range of subject and curriculum areas beyond RE, as well as whole school issues and workings, plus those of LAs and councils, and over the years, have been involved in several national initiatives and writing projects, including with the Religious Education Council of England and Wales, developing Initial Teacher Training materials plus e-learning courses, supporting a Chartered College of Teachers course, as well as the national Big Ideas project. All of this I bring to each syllabus and curriculum I devise.
Beyond the Statutory
In the last couple of years, these are just some of the projects I have supported, encouraging parents and local faith organisations to collaborate and inform schools and others about their faith and beliefs through a variety of activities, including:
"I am devastated that we are to lose you... You have served our SACRE devotedly... with exceptional leadership and work... that goes beyond what is strictly called for in her role but it is of immense value to all of us in the Borough."
- Hackney SACRE Member
In the media....
More recently, I was invited to join Louise Jane Smith and Carrie Alderton on The RE Podcast, to talk all things about interfaith, covering topics including the history and purpse of Interfaith Week, getting involved locally and where to find resources. We also discussed how it sits as part of a bigger picture of Interfaith Education which should permeate throughout schools, communities and RE classrooms.
To listen to the episode, please make your way to the RE Podcast website.
