sacre annual report for the academic year...

WREXHAM STANDING ADVISORY COUNCIL FOR RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

ANNUAL REPORT

FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR 2015-2016

Achieving Quality Learning for Children and Young People in Wrexham

Cyflawni Dysgu o Ansawdd ar gyfer Plant a Phobl Ifanc yn Wrecsam

WREXHAM SACRE -CHAIRMAN’S INTRODUCTION 2016

The task of the SACREs continue on limited resources in tight times for local

government. However, we continue the solid work of promoting, advancing and

monitoring the work of religious and moral education in our schools and it’s place in

the wider society.

We are indebted to the staff in the subject within our schools and as a link governor in

Humanities in one of our high schools I know that staff with a subject speciality can

make a real difference. As I said in last year’s report true praise goes to our subject

advisor Libby Jones . Quite frankly without her zest and input the subject results and

standards in Wrexham would be immeasurably poorer. It is probably no coincidence

that her input is Wales wide.

As to links with other faith we recently welcomed The Jewish Living Experience to

Wrexham and many SACRE members accepted the invitation to visit our town’s

mosque earlier in the year and found it a welcoming and enlightening visit. Ironically

flu prevented myself as chair to undertake either visit so it is to be hoped it does not

strike again in February 2017 when our next meeting is scheduled there.

Councillor Andrew Bailey – Chairman of Wrexham SACRE.

CONTENTS

Section 1 Summary of Advice to the Local Authority on Religious Education 1.1 The Locally Agreed Syllabus 1.2 Standards in Religious Education 1.3 Examination results 1.4 Actions arising from examination results 1.5 Methods of teaching and classroom materials 1.6 Teacher training Section 2 Summary of advice to the Local Authority on Collective Worship 2.1 Collective Worship guidelines 2.2 Collective worship support Section 3 Summary of advice to the Local Authority on Local and National Issues 3.1 Welsh Government Issues 3.2 St Giles’ Centre events 3.3 Complaints 3.5 WASACRE Appendices Appendix 1. Membership of Wrexham SACRE 2015 -2016 Appendix 2. Examination Data 2015 Appendix 3. Development Plan 2015 – 2016 Appendix 4. Summary of Inspection findings 2015-2016 Appendix 5. Training and advice given to SACRE members

Section 1.

Summary of Advice to the Local Authority on Religious Education 1.1 The Agreed Syllabus Wrexham SACRE adopted the National Exemplar Framework for Religious Education for 3 to 19 year olds in Wales as the Wrexham agreed syllabus in 2010. Along with some locally determined prescriptions around the number of religions at each key stage and curriculum time allocation, this still stands as the Wrexham Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education. There are two sections to the Wrexham Agreed Syllabus– the introductory guidance notes, and the National Exemplar Framework document. Support continued to be available from the RE Advisor, Libby Jones, for schools at their request during 2015 – 2016 in implementing the agreed syllabus and for reviewing and improving current RE schemes of work. As in previous years for all secondary RE departments this process was offered through Termly Meetings with the Advisor. The partnership arrangement between Wrexham LA and the Wrexham Parochial Educational Foundation remains and the advisory support offered to Wrexham schools has continued throughout 2015-2016 academic year, as follows: RE Advisor 3-19 (4 days). There is also a designated member of the Foundation Phase Team who attends SACRE meetings. The RE Advisor has continued to work with primary and secondary schools to support them in continuing to raise standards in Religious Education during 2015 – 2016. INSET has been provided on an individual school basis where appropriate. Regular monitoring of the implementation of the Agreed Syllabus has continued to be reported to SACRE through SACRE meetings as a result of school visits, analysis of Estyn Inspection reports, analysis of examination data and termly meetings with secondary Heads of RE. 1.2 Standards in Religious Education (i) Monitoring and Evaluation. Wrexham SACRE continues to receive an analysis of Estyn reports, highlighting any comments on religious education, spirituality and collective worship. Subjects are no longer specifically highlighted in the Estyn reports, so it is felt that RE cannot be monitored separately. The RE Advisor offers support, advice, training and the opportunity to see model lessons and observe staff teach. Feedback and advice is given to each school as required. Schools are encouraged to share their report with Governing Bodies. (ii) Analysis of Inspection reports:

Autumn term meeting 2015: Min y Ddol March 2015 Black Lane CP April 2015 Hafod-Y-Wern May 2015 Maes-Y-Mynydd June 2015 Alexandra CP June 2015 Outcome of Monitoring Visit: Johnstown Junior May 2015 Minera Aided Primary School June 2015 Report Following monitoring: Ysgol-y-Waun July 2015 Spring Term meeting 2015 Park Community Primary, Llay October 2015 Madras Primary School, Penley November 2015 Outcome of Monitoring Visit: Ysgol Plas Coch January 2016 Summer Term meeting 2015 Cefn Mawr Primary School December 2015 Ysgol Cynddelw February 2016 Outcome of Monitoring Visit: Ysgol Rhiwabon January 2016 The following sections of each report were presented for review:

School name

Name of Inspection team

Report on SMSC development

Report on Religious Education and Collective Worship where mentioned in the report As a result of the Estyn Inspection Framework analysis of the report is dependent on whether it is a line of enquiry and commented upon by the Estyn team. Therefore the analysis report no longer follows the previous pattern. SACRE members were pleased to note the positive comments received by schools in relation to their Collective Worship provision and the standards achieved in RE where specified. Good practice identified is shared as a result of this analysis. Where schools have areas for development identified, follow up support is offered to individual school and agreed with the RE Adviser. The nature of the support is fed back to SACRE. All schools inspected met the statutory requirements for provision this year and letters congratulating each school on their success were sent as recommended by members.

1.3 Examination Results at KS4 and KS5

Summary of Wrexham’s performance at GCSE, A Level and Entry Level RS 2015.

Full Course GCSE: In Wrexham 66% of Yr 11 pupils gained A* - C, which is 9% below All Wales and 3% below Wrexham’s results for 2014. 639 Yr 11 pupils from Wrexham sat the exam this year, which is an increase of 169 pupils from 2014. 98% of pupils gained A* - G which is the same as the All Wales figure and just 1% below last year’s result for Wrexham. A* and A grades are 19% for Wrexham this year, which is 11% lower than All Wales and 10% lower than Wrexham’s 2014 figures. Short Course GCSE: In Wrexham 46% of Yr 11 pupils gained A* - C, which is 3% lower than 2014. The All Wales figure is 52% which has also dropped from last year. 514 Yr 11 pupils from Wrexham sat an RS Short Course qualification this year which is a rise of 7 pupils from Last year. 95% of those pupils gained A* - G, which is 2% higher than All Wales for this year and just 1% lower than the Wrexham figure for 2014. A* and A Grades for Wrexham are at 9.5%. Early Entries: There are still some schools in Wrexham who enter year 10 pupils for the GCSE RS qualification, with some very good results. Entry Level: 23 pupils from St Christopher’s school were entered for the AQA Entry Level RS exam with excellent results. All 23 pupils gained an entry level qualification. 12 pupils achieved a level 3 which is equivalent to a GCSE pass and could now go on to study RS GCSE if they choose to.

A Level:

As Level:

CENTRE ENTRY A* A B C D E A*-C A*-E

Wales 1,444 4% 19% 31% 27% 14% 5% 81% 100%

Ysgol Maelor Penley 0 - - - - - - - -

Ysgol Morgan Llwyd 2 0 0 0 100% 0 0 100% 100%

Ysgol Rhiwabon 3 0 0 0 33.3% 33.3% 33.3% 33.3% 100%

Coleg Cambria 6 16.6% 0 16.6% 50% 0 16.6% 83% 100%

CENTRE ENTRY A* A B C D E A*-C A*-E

Wales

Ysgol Maelor Penley 11 0 0 0 9% 55% 36% 9% 100%

Ysgol Morgan Llwyd 6 0 0 33.3% 16.6% 33.3% 16.6% 50% 100%

Ysgol Rhiwabon 3 0 0 0 0 0 33.3% 0 33%

Coleg Cambria 15 0 0 6.6% 33.3% 26.6% 26.6% 40% 93%

Cohort Entry RS Full and Short Course

In 2015, 1153 pupils 89% of the cohort In 2014, 1081 pupils 88% of the cohort In 2013, 1211 pupils 81% of the cohort In 2012, 1272 pupils 76%*of the cohort (These figures do not include the PRUs or In 2011, 1304 pupils 96% of the cohort St Christopher’s)

1.4 Actions arising from examination results SACRE members were pleased to note that the entry figures for pupils taking an RS GCSE qualification in Wrexham are still on the rise, peaking this year at 89%. Members were also heartened to hear that the Level 1 achievement figure for Full Course RS in Wrexham was the same as the All Wales Level 1 figure for 2015, and that the Short Course RS Level 1 figure in Wrexham was actually higher than the All Wales figure for 2015. They were particularly pleased to see that 23 pupils from St Christopher’s Special School in Wrexham achieved an Entry level qualification in RS that year and that those pupils could now go on to study RS at GCSE level. It was generally felt, however, that the standard for Level 2 achievement in Wrexham needs to be improved across the board. The RE Advisor met with various Heads of Department for RE throughout the year to discuss solutions for raising standards. It was noted by the RE Advisor that many schools are currently struggling to teach the specification within the time given to core RE as many schools are currently entering all students for the Full Course in core time. Some departments are also experiencing difficulties in teaching KS4 RE as a result of the implementation of the new Welsh Baccalaureate qualification. 1.5 Methods of teaching, the choice of teaching materials The availability of the RE Resource Room has continued, allowing teachers the opportunity to look at resources available and borrow then on request. The RE Resource Room was re-located from the Erlas Centre on Bryn Estyn Rd, Wrexham to the St Giles’ Centre on Temple Row, Wrexham, during 2015. All schools were made aware of this by the RE Advisor and SACRE members recorded once again their thanks to the Wrexham Parochial Educational Foundation for their continued support for RE in Wrexham, through the funding of the resource room and their partnership with Wrexham LA for the post of the RE Adviser and for. Schools have been sent a variety of resource materials on request to use in their classrooms with a variety of age groups and abilities. Exemplar materials have been shared with schools and individual support has been given to departments developing RE schemes of Work in the Foundation Phase and KS 2, 3 and 4. Schools have been offered tailor-made workshops delivered by the advisor and members of the St Giles’ Centre team on a variety of themes and topics. All primary schools in Wrexham received advise from the LA via Wrexham SACRE and the RE Advisor regarding assessment in RE. This advice was issued to remind schools using the Incerts programme for assessing pupil achievement in RE, that they should be using the

agreed syllabus levels which appear on Incerts as ‘Exemplar levels’ and not the default levels. All of the above information can be seen in more detail on the attached development plan for 2015/16.

1.6 Teacher training As in past years there was no appropriate programme of courses offered to teachers during the year. INSET needs are identified through information collected by the RE Adviser and as suggested by local and national initiatives. The growing concern of school budgets has meant that the RE Adviser has delivered the majority of training on an individual basis, on request, and has suggested appropriate courses available nationally to schools i.e. the INSET provided by WJEC on Religious Studies specifications in October 2015. SACRE noted during their meetings that it is increasingly difficult for generic RE courses to be run across primary and secondary schools as it is difficult for schools to release staff. The Adviser for RE has responded to this by continuing to offer training through cluster meetings, Primary Head’s Federation meetings and Foundation Phase Leaders meetings. The RE Adviser is still disappointed that the Quality Circle meetings have not been re-introduced for secondary RE teachers in Wrexham as it was an excellent forum to share ideas and receive outside training. In response to this the RE Advisor arranged an RE Forum meeting for Secondary RE teachers on 23 February 2016. The meeting was not funded by the LA and as a result attendance was limited to 5 teachers in total across Wrexham. In addition to this and in collaboration with the RE Lead in Flintshire Local Authority, the RE Advisor for Wrexham also arranged a Forum meeting for Primary RE co-ordinators, on 7 July 2016. This event was well attended by Wrexham teachers despite there being no funding for it. The event gave teachers the opportunity to share ideas, ask critical questions and respond to a presentation from Phil Lord on what ‘good RE’ should look like. The response from teachers from Wrexham was very positive and they have asked to be invited to the next meeting.

Section 2

Summary of advice to the Local Authority on Collective Worship

2.1 Collective Worship guidelines

(i) Monitoring and Guidance Monitoring and guidance of collective worship has continued mainly through the review of inspection reports. However, the RE Adviser, along with other SACRE members has observed an act of collective worship in the following schools this academic year: Wrexham Early Years Centre SACRE hope to continue this practice throughout 2016/2017. Guidance materials on collective worship are available to schools on the Wrexham VLE. The materials include Estyn’s ‘Supplementary guidance on inspecting collective worship in Non-Denominational Schools’ and WASACRE’s guidance on Collective Worship Post 16 and the recent Collective Worship guidance document distributed to SACREs from WASACRE.

(ii) Determinations No applications were received from schools for determinations to be made in respect of Collective Worship during 2015 –2016. 2.2 Collective Worship support The RE Advisor produced a task sheet for schools to use for monitoring purposes and to support SACRE in obtaining information about collective worship in a non-invasive way, and to better identify the level of support required in schools across Wrexham. The Advisor met with the Heads’ Federation team to discuss the way forward with the task sheet, which was received positively. It was decided that a pilot was necessary before it could be taken further. The Task sheet, entitled ‘RE Sharebox’, was piloted by Eyton School in the summer term. One primary school was given advice on a possible request for withdrawal from collective worship in the summer term. The RE Adviser attended a meeting with the Acting Head of the school and the parents of the children involved regarding the issue. A decision not to withdraw the children from collective worship was taken by the parents and the Adviser supported the improvement of collective worship across the school, in order to better reflect the current guidelines. An action plan was established and shared with the parents and new Headteacher. Advice and support was given to a second primary school and the school received the Wrexham SACRE collective worship training PowerPoint to share with the staff. The RE Advisor met with the school’s collective worship coordinator on 2 November 2015 to discuss legislation, ideas and themes.

Advice was given to two further schools regarding the possible withdrawal of an individual pupil from the Christmas play and possible withdrawal of a pupil from school visits to the local church at Christmas time. Both schools were advised to invite the parents in to discuss the situation further and to explain exactly what the pupils would be doing and experiencing in these situations, before a decision was made. Collective worship resources have been loaned out to schools in Wrexham again this year. The RE Adviser and colleague Rev’d Mary Stallard from the St Giles’ Centre for Religious Education and Faith Development have also delivered collective worship in schools, often tailor made to suit the theme requested by each individual school.

Section 3

Summary of advice to the Local Authority on Local and National Issues 3.1 Welsh Government issues Welsh Government is in the process of developing a new curriculum, ‘A curriculum for Wales, A Curriculum for Life’. The RE Advisor has kept abreast of the current situation with regard to the new curriculum this year by attending meetings with colleagues from Welsh Government and from WASACRE. The RE Advisor has up-dated SACRE members at each meeting of its progress and has shared any relevant information regarding Pioneer Schools and RE related issues. 3.2 St Giles’ Centre events

The Annual Christmas event did not go ahead this year as it was decided that many schools that would like to attend are often not able to because they are hosting their own school event in the same week. Instead the Centre decided to hold a similar event on 6 February 2016, for Candlemas. The RE Advisor gave feedback to SACRE members about the event at the following meeting. The event was very well attended and different schools as well as the usual schools were able to enjoy the experience together. The children were invited to make and bring with them decorated candle holders, which they used in a procession during the service. They also learned about the lesser known Christian festival of Candlemas through stories, role play and songs. The overall response to this activity was impressive with many different schools involved. Members were pleased to note the number of schools participating in the event and the Chair of SACRE thanked those involved in organising it. 3.3 Complaints The Authority’s Complaints Procedure provides a role for SACRE in resolving complaints in relation to Religious Education and Collective Worship. During 2014/2015, no complaints were received in relation to Religious Education or Collective Worship and, therefore, SACRE had no involvement in complaints during the year. 3.5 WASACRE

Wrexham SACRE has continued with its membership of WASACRE and RE Adviser, Libby Jones from Wrexham SACRE attended meetings during the period of 2015–2016. Libby Jones is the secretary for WASACRE. Correspondence and matters arising from WASACRE meetings have been discussed in SACRE meetings during the year. Members noted again their appreciation of the role of WASACRE and the work of its officers in continuing to raise the profile of RE in Wales.

Appendix 1. Membership of Wrexham SACRE 2015 -2016 WREXHAM STANDING ADVISORY COUNCIL FOR RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Name / Representing Church in Wales x 2 Sam Jesson James P Harris (Appt 12.10.15) Roman Catholic Church x 2 Vacant Vacant Presbyterian Church of Wales – English x 1 Ifor Jones Presbytarian Church of Wales - Welsh x 1 Vacant Methodist Church x 1 (NW district) Vacant Union of Welsh Independents x 1 Vacant Salvation Army x 1 Captain Ian Davis/ Captain Sandy Davis Secondary Headteacher x 1 Vacant Primary Headteacher (Junior) x 1 Martin Matthias Infant Headteacher x 1 Marc Jones (Appt 26.05.16) Secondary RE Specialist x 1 Helen Hughes Primary Junior Classroom Teacher x 1 Lisa Sheriff Foundation Phase Representative x 1 Malissa White (Appt 12.10.15) Special School Representative x 1 Maxine Pittaway/ Jeff Eggington

College Representative/VIForm Teacher x 1 Ruth Holden (Appt 12.10.15) Wrexham Council x 5 Cllr Andrew Bailey (Chair) Cllr Bernard McCann Cllr Lloyd Kenyon Cllr James Kelly Cllr Bill Baldwin Local Authority John Williams (Officer) Libby Jones (Officer) Co-Opted (Up to 5) Dr Tania Ap Sion Vacant Vacant Vacant Clerk Rachel Body

The main matters considered in each meeting were: November 2015

o MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS SACRE MEETING

o WASACRE MINUTES FROM 25 JUNE 2015

o ANALYSIS OF ESTYN INSPECTION REPORTS

o SACRE MONITORING PROCEDURES

o PROVISIONAL RE EXAMINATION RESULTS FOR 2015

o DEVELOPMENT PLAN

o WREXHAM SACRE ANNUAL REPORT 2014/15

o SACRE VACANCIES AND ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES

FEBRUARY 2016

o MINUTES OF PREVIOUS SACRE MEETING o WASACRE MINUTES FROM 25 NOVEMBER 2015 o WASACRE FEES o ESTYN INSPECTION REPORTS o SACRE MONITORING PROCEDURES o DEVELOPMENT PLAN o TEACHERS ATTENDANCE AT SACRE MEETINGS o SACRE VACANCIES

MAY 2016

o MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS SACRE MEETING o WASACRE MINUTES FROM 8 MARCH 2016 o NOMINATIONS TO THE WASACRE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE o FINAL RE EXAMINATION RESULTS 2015 o ESTYN INSPECTION REPORTS o SACRE MONITORING PROCEDURES o DEVELOPMENT PLAN o TEACHERS ATTENDANCE AT SACRE MEETINGS o VACANCIES

APPENDIX 2 Examination data 2015 (Individual School Results)

Entry Level

School Entry Grade 1 (C) Grade 2 (B) Grade 3 (A) Unclassified

St Christopher’s 23 11 12

Full Course:

School Entry % A*/A % A*-C % A*-G

Bryn Alyn 88 36 77 97

Clywedog 147 9 63 100

Darland 15 53 93 100

Grango n/a n/a n/a n/a

Gwersyllt n/a n/a n/a n/a

Maelor 84 24 74 98

Morgan Llwyd 31 42 90 100

Rhiwabon 19 16 84 100

Rhosnesni 134 2 36 97

St Joseph’s 121 26 74 99

Wrexham 639 19% 66% 98%

Wales 11,167 30% 75% 98%

Short Course:

School Entry % A*/A % A*-C % A*-G

Bryn Alyn 88 7 33 99

Clywedog 19 0 10 58

Darland 66 9 75 100

Grango n/a n/a n/a n/a

Gwersyllt n/a n/a n/a n/a

Maelor 119 21 76 97

Morgan Llwyd 81 0 17 97

Rhiwabon 100 11 49 98

Rhosnesni 32 0 3 69

St Joseph’s 9 0 22 100

Wrexham 514 9.5% 46% 95%

Wales 10,098 14% 52% 93%

APPENDIX 3 Wrexham SACRE Development Plan 2015 - 2016

Priority 1: To monitor standards in Religious Education and Religious Studies in order to raise standards.

People involved: SACRE Members, LA Link Officer, Learning and Teaching Adviser for RE.

Action Schedule Time and Costs Monitoring

and Evaluation

Outcomes Tracking

Analysis of examination

Entries and Results for RE at

GCSE, Entry Level and AS/

A2 Level

Preliminary

Analysis

Autumn

2015

Full

Analysis

Summer

2016

Agenda Time

Learning and

Teaching Adviser

for RE time for

Analysis

Reports to

SACRE

Meetings

Report to Chief

Learning and

Achievement

Officer

LEA Monitoring.

Advise to LEA and

schools on trends.

Support to schools

for target setting. –

QDS / QDD process

Autumn Term -

Schools have been asked for their

examination data and analysis, including

boy/girl breakdown.

Analysis of KS4 and KS5 provisional

examination results will be presented in

SACRE meeting 12 Nov 2015

Spring Term-

Summer Term-

Final results analysis shared at the SACRE

meeting 26.5.16

Support schools in raising

number of pupils entered for

Full Course and Short Course.

Full Course by 2016:

To maintain entry figures

Short Course by 2016: to

maintain figures achieved in

previous years

Increase entries at AS and A2

Religious Studies

Autumn

2015

Ongoing

Adviser support

to schools

QDD Process

Quality Circles

Analysis by RE

Adviser of %

cohort in each

school being

entered for Full /

Short or Entry

Level

Qualification.

Reports to

SACRE

Feedback from

RE

Departments in

schools

QDS process

Increased number of

pupils having the

opportunity of

achieving a

qualification in RE /

RS.

Autumn Term -

QDD (Termly meetings) –arranged for this

half term (before Christmas)

Meetings with Clywedog and Darland have

already taken place

Meetings with new RE Coordinator at Ysgol

Grango 16.11.15 and HoD at Bryn Alyn

17.11.15.

Spring Term-

Summer Term-


standards of achievement in

RS Full and Short Course

Autumn

2015

Ongoing

QDD Process

Quality Circles

Reports to

SACRE

Feedback from

RE

Departments in

schools

QDD process

Increased

achievement in RE /

RS.

Autumn Term -

WJEC INSET information sent to all

Secondary RE Coordinators.

Spring Term_

RE forum meeting took place on Tuesday 23

February at which the new GCSE

specification was discussed and plans for

implementation and areas of need and support

were identified.

Summer Term-

On-going up-dates given by LJ to all RE Co-

ordinators about the new RS specification and

WJEC’s progress.


standards of achievement in

KS2 and KS3

Autumn

2015

Ongoing

QDD Process

Quality Circles

Reports to

SACRE

Feedback from

RE

Departments in

schools

QDD process

Increased

achievement in KS3

RE

Secure teacher

assessment of KS3

NC Levels

Autumn Term -

Meetings arranged with the following primary

schools to advise and give support with RE

syllabus/scheme of work review:

Ysgol Penycae

Resources loaned to the following schools:

Gwenfro

Maelor, Penley

Ysgol Penycae

Borras Park Juniors Yr 4 Workshop delivered

on ‘The Tudors’ at St Giles’s church by the

RE Centre (Libby Jones and Mary Stallard)

Wednesday 7 October 2015

5 October 2015 Meeting with Simon

Cameron, CIW Diocesan Schools officer re:

assessment in RE and development of

support materials for teachers

LJ delivered talk on Interfaith Dialogue for Yr

9 pupils at Darland School on 2.12.15 and

3.12.15

Spring Term-

Meetings with the following schools took

place, at which SOW, planning and resources

for RE were discussed and advice given (on-

going)

Hafod-Y-Wern 1.2.16

St Giles’ 9.2.16

Summer Term-

Islam resources loaned to Rhosddu Primary

Monitor standards through

review of Inspection reports

where data available and

through Wrexham SACRE

Monitoring Programme.

Autumn

2015

Agenda Time.

Time of

Monitoring

Learning and

Teaching Adviser

for Analysis and

monitoring

SACRE members

/ Officer time for

monitoring

Reports to

SACRE

meetings.

Receive analysis of

Inspection and

Monitoring reports.

Letters of

Congratulations sent

to schools as well as

support offered as

appropriate.

Advice to LEA as

appropriate.

Autumn Term-

Reports analysed:-

Alexandra, Black Lane CP, Hafod y Wern,

Ysgol Min y Ddol, Meas-Y-Mynydd

Outcome of monitoring visit:

Minera

Johnstown Junior

Ysgol-Y-Waun

Spring Term-

Reports analysed-

Park Community Primary, Llay

Madras Primary School, Penley


Ysgol Plas Coch

Summer Term-

Reports analysed-

Cefn Mawr Primary, Cynddelw Primary and


Ysgol Rhiwabon

Sam Jesson at Eyton School has piloted the

RE Sharebox with school council (feedback

to follow.

LJ met with the Heads’ Federation team to

discuss the way forward with the RE

Sharebox.

It was received positively, appropriate

amendments have been made and the

document will be translated so that it is

available to schools bilingually.

To continue to raise the profile

of SACRE within schools and

establish stronger links.

Autumn

2015

ongoing

School visit time

Reports to

SACRE

meetings

Schools have greater

awareness of the role

of SACRE

SACRE members

have increased

knowledge of RE in

Wrexham schools

Autumn Term –

Inspection letters (congratulations/support)

sent to: Borras Park Juniors, Penygelli CP,

Pontfadog CP, Wrexham Early Years, and

Ysgol Rhiwabon.

Letter sent to all Headteachers regarding the

role of SACRE and the role of the RE

Advisor

Meeting with Tim Newbold July 2015

Meetings with Nick Williams and John

Davies to discuss profile of SACRE and how

the LA can support it

LJ attended a variety of school Christmas

To further develop resources

for schools on the schools

intranet including information

about SACRE

Advisers to attend relevant

meetings to keep abreast of

current initiatives

Autumn

2015

ongoing

Autumn

2015

ongoing

Adviser Time /

Translation costs

Adviser Time /

Travel costs

SACRE time

Minutes

Schools have easier

access to information

/ sustainable

approach

Action from minutes

Carol concerts during December including St

Christopher’s and Eyton school.

Spring Term-

Inspection letters (congratulations/support)

sent to: Alexandra, Black Lane CP, Hafod y

Wern, Ysgol Min y Ddol, Meas-Y-Mynydd

Summer term-

LJ, along with other SACRE members,

visited Wrexham Early Years Centre 17 May

2016

Summer Term-

LJ attended WASACRE Executive committee

meeting 30/9/15 as Secretary

LJ attended the NAPfRE meeting on 24

November 2015 and WASACRE Main

meeting 25 November 2014 as Secretary

Spring Term-

LJ attended the WASACRE Executive

meeting on 4 February 2016

LJ attended a meeting with WG colleagues

for an up-date on the curriculum review

LJ attended the NAPfRE and WASACRE

meetings on 7th

and 8th

March 2016

Summer Term-

LJ was involved in preparing information for

the WASACRE meeting with WJEC

regarding the new Specification for RS GCSE

LJ attended the WASACRE Executive

meeting on 10th

May and the extra NAPfRE

meeting on 11th May to write the ‘What is

good RE?’ document to support pioneer

schools with developing RE in the new

curriculum.

LJ attended the Enrichment Celebration

service at Glyndwr University 28.4.16

LJ attended a meeting with the Board of

Deputies for British Jews hosted by Coleg

Cambria on 5 May 2016. LJ has assisted with

arranging a KS2 Event at the college for

Wrexham schools taking place from 7 June to

16th

June 2016.

LJ attended the NAPfRE meeting (22.6.16)

and WASACRE AGM(23.6.16) in Rhyl as

Secretary to WASACRE

Priority 2: To monitor the Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education and produce supporting materials for schools.

People involved: Full SACRE; Learning and Teaching Adviser for RE; Working Group Action Schedule Time and Costs Monitoring and

Evaluation

Success Criteria Tracking

Ongoing INSET and

support for schools in

implementing the Agreed

Syllabus

Skills Focused delivery of

effective RE at KS2 and

KS3

RE in the Foundation Phase

Assessment at KS2 / KS3

Autumn

Term 2014

RE Adviser

RE Adviser

Foundation Phase

Officer

Evaluations of

INSET

Estyn Reports

Autumn Term-

Meeting arranged with Rhys Jones, new

RE Coordinator at Ysgol Grango for

advice and support re: RE curriculum

Monday 16 November 2015

Acton Park CP received advice on

improving their delivery of the agreed

syllabus 19.11.15

Spring Term-

Meetings in February 2016 with Hafod-y-

Wern and St Giles’ Primary covered all of

these areas

Summer Term-

Support given to Hafod y Wern Primary

covering all these areas 22.4.16

St. Giles RE Centre Ongoing Adviser Time

Richard Lloyd Room

– funded by

Wrexham Parochial

Educational Trust

St. Giles’ RE Centre

RE Adviser

PEF Trust

Director & Team of

St. Giles’ RE

Centre

RE Centre is used

Resources created

support the Agreed

Syllabus for RE

RE resources on the

St. Giles’ website

Teachers access the

resources

Autumn Term-

Workshops created and delivered in line

with the Wrexham Agreed Syllabus,

Exemplar Framework for RE and other

relevant documents, to the following

schools:

St Giles’ Juniors- The Treasures of

St Giles’ Church 6/10/15 with

Rector Jason Bray

Borras Park Juniors - Libby Jones

and Mary Stallard delivered a Yr 4

Workshop on ‘The Tudors’ 4.2.

2015 ( St Giles’s church)

LJ met with Head of RE at Coleg Cambria

Helen Connor to organise a Faith Trail for

RS students during interfaith week.

Students visited St Giles’ Church on Wed

18 November as part of the trail, along

with the Wrexham Mosque, Catholic

Cathedral and Methodist Church. This

event was supported by LJ.

Spring Term-

Candlemas event at ST Giles’ Parish

Church, attended by Wrexham schools

Resources to support a school visit were

given to Ysgol Hoosen (12.1.16)

School visit arranged for Hafod-Y-Wern

Yr2 (25.2.16) to be delivered by LJ

Eyton School Foundation Phase visit to St

Giles 15 March 2016

Judaism Workshop on kosher food

delivered by LJ and MS at St Giles’

primary school. For FP pupils 16 March

2016

LJ attended Coleg Cambria’s Respect

Fayre to support the Chaplaincy team and

students 17 March 2016.

Summer Term-

Priority 3: To provide support for Religious Education

People involved: SACRE; RE Adviser; LEA Officers; Wrexham Parochial Educational Foundation.


and

Evaluation


Identify INSET

needs, deliver

INSET and monitor

provision

Autumn 2015

Spring 2016

Summer 2016

Adviser Time for

planning and

running courses

Venue and

supporting

materials.

SEG (School

effectiveness

Training)

funding.

RE Adviser Advice to LEA.

Training needs

analysed.

Feedback on take up

by schools.

Autumn Term-

Spring Term-

LJ has produced a task sheet for schools to use for

monitoring purposes entitled RE Sharebox, which will

be piloted by Alexandra school this year.

Summer Term-

Provide Training for

SACRE members

SACRE

meetings -

programme of

presentations

Agenda Time

Adviser Time

SACRE SACRE members kept

up to date with

relevant changes

Input from LEA

Officers and schools.

Autumn Term –

Spring Term-

Summer Term-

Judaism training offered to all schools in Wrexham,

hosted by Coleg Cambria and delivered by The Board

of Deputies of British Jews 6 June 2016

Identify and

Implement Governor

Training

Ongoing

Adviser Time

Governor

Training

Programme Time

SACRE

CPD Officer

Training for

Governors Autumn Term-

Spring Term-

Summer Term-

Judaism training offered to all schools in Wrexham,

hosted by Coleg Cambria and delivered by The Board

of Deputies of British Jews 6 June 2016

Work with primary

and secondary

schools in

developing effective

assessment

(transition focus)

Ongoing Adviser Time

RE Adviser

Reports to

SACRE

Effective Assessment

developing in primary

schools

Improved transition

between key stages.

Autumn Term –

Spring Term-

Summer Term-

LJ worked with Hafod y Wern Primary on developing

teacher speak levels for easy assessment in RE

Continued

development of

support materials for

RE


Richard Lloyd

Room – funded

by Wrexham

Parochial

Educational Trust

RE Adviser

PEF Trust

Improved access to

quality resources

leading to improved

teaching and learning.

Autumn Term-

LJ working with Tania ap Sion on the next stage of

Welsh Government funded Foundation Phase and

KS2 Resources

Spring Term-

Summer Term-

St. Giles RE Centre Ongoing Adviser Time

Richard Lloyd

Room – funded

by Wrexham

Parochial

Educational Trust

St. Giles’ RE

Centre

RE Adviser

PEF Trust

Director &

Team of St.

Giles’ RE

Centre

RE Centre is used

RE resources on the

St. Giles’ website

Teachers access the

resources

Autumn Term-

Relocation of the St Giles’ Centre is complete.

Spring Term-

Candlemas service took place on 2 February 2016

involving 9 different schools across Wrexham.

Including Ysgol Grango. Approx. 320 pupils attended

the service.

Summer Term-

Relevant links to RE

& spirituality


Richard Lloyd

Room – funded

by Wrexham

Parochial

Educational Trust

Supporting

materials

RE Adviser

Reports to

SACRE

RE Advisers

becoming members of

the Wrexham

Fairtrade Coalition.

Autumn Term

Fairtrade AGM to be held on Thursday 6 Nov 2015 at

Catrin Finch Centre, Glyndwr University.

LJ has written Treasures report and has resigned from

this post due to family commitments

Invite extended to SACRE Members

Invitation have been sent to all schools from the

Centre to invite them to participate in a Candlemas

event in February which will replace the usual

Christmas service for schools

Spring Term-

LJ attended the Fairtrade Fortnight planning meeting

of the Wrexham FT Coalition.

LJ has been reinstated as Treasurer due to lack of

interest from other members to do the job. LJ has

agreed to investigate which schools are holding a

Fairtrade Big Breakfast and to report back. LJ has also

supported the group with the advertising for the Big

Breakfast event being held at the Methodist Church in

Wrexham on Saturday 12 March 2016. 10am-1pm.

SACRE members are all welcome.

Summer Term-

Fairtrade meeting was cancelled due to lack of

support

Priority 4: To monitor provision of Collective Worship in order to raise Standards and provide support to schools.

People involved: SACRE Members, Learning and Teaching Adviser for RE


and

Evaluation


Monitor standards

through review of Self

Evaluation Documents

and through Wrexham

SACRE Monitoring

Programme.

Autumn 2015

Spring 2016

Summer 2016

Agenda Time.

SACRE Members /

Officers time for

Monitoring

Learning and

Teaching Adviser for

RE time for Analysis

and monitoring

Reports to

SACRE

meetings

Receive Self

Evaluation

Document and

Monitoring report.

Letters of

Congratulations

sent to schools as

well as support

offered as

appropriate

Autumn Term-

Inspection reports analysed for related

comments.

Spring Term

Inspection reports analysed for related

comments.

LJ has produced a task sheet for schools to use

for monitoring purposes entitled RE Sharebox,

which will be piloted by Alexandra school this

year.

Summer Term-

Sam Jesson at Eyton School has piloted the RE

Sharebox with school council (feedback to

follow.

LJ met with the Heads’ Federation team to

discuss the way forward with the RE Sharebox.

It was received positively, appropriate

amendments have been made and the document

will be translated so that it is available to schools

bilingually.

LJ assisted Acting Head, Malissa White from

Bwlchgwyn school by attending a meeting with

parents regarding the delivery of CW in school.

LJ spoke to the parents and offered the school

advice and support in improving CW in school in

order to better reflect the current guidelines. An

action plan has been drawn up. LJ will follow

this up with the new Headteacher in September.

Identify INSET needs,

deliver INSET and

monitor provision

Autumn 2015

Spring 2016

Summer 2016

Adviser Time for

planning and running

courses

Venue and supporting

materials.

BSF Funding

RE Adviser Advice to LEA

Training needs

analysed

Feedback on take

up by schools

Autumn Term

Advice and support given to Rhosymedre CP.

Wrexham SACRE CW training PowerPoint

shared with staff by Head and LJ met with CW

coordinator on 2 November to discuss

legislation, ideas and themes

Advice given on the telephone to Wat’s Dyke CP

regarding the possible withdrawal of an

individual pupil from the Christmas play and

also to Ysgol Deiniol regarding the same for

school visits to the local church. Both advised to

invite the parents in to discuss the situation

further. Offer of LJ’s attendance at meeting if

required (2.12.15)

Spring Term-

Summer Term-

Provide Training for

SACRE members

SACRE

meetings

Agenda Time

Adviser Time

SACRE SACRE members

kept up to date with

relevant changes

Input from LEA

Officers and

schools

Autumn Term-

Spring Term-

Summer Term-

Continued development

of support materials for

CW

2015 – 2016 Adviser Time

Purchasing resources

RE Advisers

PEF Trust

Improved access to

quality resources

leading to

improved standards

of CW

Autumn Term –

Spring Term-

Summer Term-

LJ currently working on resources for class

worship ideas

Provide CW for schools

to raise standards &

ensure quality provision

Autumn 2015

on going

Adviser Time Schools invite RE

Advisers to take

CW

Autumn Term –

Borras Park Juniors Harvest service 9 October

2015

Spring Term-

Summer Term-

Identify and Implement

Governor Training

Autumn 2016

Ongoing

Adviser Time

Governor Training

Programme Time

SACRE

CPD Officer

Training for

Governors Autumn Term –

Spring Term-

Summer Term-

APPENDIX 4- Summary of Inspection findings presented in SACRE meetings during the academic year of 2015-2016

School Estyn’s Judgement KQ 1 KQ 2 KQ 3 References to: RE/ Collective Worship/Spirituality

Date

Current performance

Prospects for improvement

Min-y-Ddol Adequate Adequate Adequate Good Adequate Opportunities to pray and take part in celebrations such as harvest, Christmas and Mothering Sunday, contribute suitably to children’s’ spiritual and moral development. There is an appropriate supply of resources in the setting to develop awareness of the wider world and other cultures. However, this aspect does not always have a purposeful enough place in the setting’s activities and plans.

March 2015

Black Lane CP Adequate Adequate Adequate Good Adequate The school makes effective arrangements to promote pupils’ personal and spiritual development. Pupils visit a local church to take part in Harvest and Christmas services and learn about different religions in religious education lessons. The school promotes their social and moral development through links with the community and a local hospice.

April 2015

Hafod-y-Wern CP Good Good Good Good Good None May 2015

Johnstown Junior School

Outcome of monitoring visit Is judged to have made good progress in respect of the key issues for action following the Estyn review in April 2015. The school has been removed from the list of schools requiring Estyn monitoring. There will be no further Estyn monitoring visits in relation to this inspection.

May 2015

Maes-Y-Mynydd Adequate Adequate Adequate Adequate Adequate The school provides a suitable range of learning experiences that engage most pupils well. The curriculum is organised through planned topics and ensures progression in learning to meet the needs of the Foundation Phase, the National Curriculum and religious education. Across the school, most pupils understand and respond appropriately to simple greetings and instructions in Welsh during lessons, collective worship and in informal situations. All staff promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development successfully. There are suitable arrangements for teaching pupils about respecting and celebrating diversity, for example through acts of worship and in topic

June 2015

work about other cultures and faiths.

Alexandra CP Good Good Good Good Good There is effective provision for promoting pupil’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. The emphasis on positive values and respect for others is a prominent feature throughout the school. Staff promote these regularly in lessons to ensure that all pupils have a good understanding of the need to respect one another and themselves. There is also an effective programme of daily collective worship and for pupils’ personal and social education. The school has good links with the local community. Close co-operation with organisations, such as the local church and utility providers, enhance pupils’ understanding of the different jobs people have and how they contribute to their community.

June 2015

Minera Aided Primary School

Outcome of monitoring visit Is judged to have made good progress in respect of the key issues for action following the Estyn review in June 2015. The school has been removed from the list of schools requiring Estyn monitoring. There will be no further Estyn monitoring visits in relation to this inspection.

June 2015

Ysgol-y-Waun Report following monitoring. Level of follow-up: special measures Is judged to have made sufficient progress in relation to the recommendations following the core inspection in February 2014. As a result Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education and Training in Wales is removing the school from the list of schools requiring special measures.

July 2015

School Estyn’s Judgement KQ 1 KQ 2 KQ 3 References to: RE/ Collective Worship/Spirituality

Date

Current Performance

Prospects for Improvement

Park Community Primary, Llay

Good Good Good Good Good Pupils have many opportunities to develop their understanding of moral and social issues. The school promotes pupils’ cultural development well through a range of visits and visitors. Daily acts of collective worship provide opportunities for pupils to reflect and develop their spiritual awareness appropriately. There are strong links with local businesses, voluntary groups and churches and these enhance the range of activities pupils’ experience.

October 2015

Madras Primary Good Good Good Good Good Pupils have many valuable opportunities to develop their Nov 2015

School, Penley understanding of spiritual, moral and social issues. The school has strong links with the local church. This enriches pupil’s learning experiences and supports their social and moral development successfully.

Ysgol Plas Coch Outcome of monitoring visit Is judged to have made good progress in respect of the key issues for action following the Estyn review in January 2016. The school has been removed from the list of schools requiring Estyn monitoring. There will be no further Estyn monitoring visits in relation to this inspection.

Jan 2016

School Estyn’s Judgement KQ 1 KQ 2 KQ 3 References to:

RE/ Collective Worship/Spirituality

Date

Current

Performance

Prospects for

Improvement

Cefn Mawr Primary School

Adequate Adequate Adequate Adequate Adequate Overall, pupils apply their literacy skills well in other areas of the curriculum: such as when writing an informal letter in history as an evacuee or when recounting the life of an Israelite in a diary in religious education. However, across the schools pupils’ ability to express themselves imaginatively or independently in writing is underdeveloped. The school provides a broad and balanced curriculum that is accessible to all pupils and meets the requirements of the National Curriculum and religious education. Teachers’ planning is detailed and meets the need of most learners well. Learners’ experiences promote pupils’ personal, spiritual, moral, social and cultural development well, through for example topic work and whole school assemblies.

Dec 2015

Ysgol Rhiwabon Outcome of monitoring visit: The school is judged to have made insufficient progress in relation to the recommendations following the core inspection in January, 2015. As a result, Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education and Training in Wales is increasing the level of follow-up activity. Estyn inspectors will re-visit the school in about three months’ time.

No reference has been made to RE, RS or collective worship in the report.

January 2016

Ysgol Cynddelw Adequate Adequate Adequate Good Adequate Staff provide valuable experiences that include a range of February

visitors to promote pupils’ social, moral, spiritual and cultural development effectively. The school is an important part of the community and provides good opportunities for pupils to support local cultural and social events, such as visits to the local church.

2016

APPENDIX 5 Training and advice given to SACRE members

(i) SACRE Members visiting schools Members of Wrexham SACRE expressed that they would be very happy to visit schools again this year in order to observe Collective Worship and/or to discuss Religious Education with an appropriate member of staff e.g. the Re Coordinator or the Headteacher. A visit was arranged for SACRE members to the Wrexham Early Years Centre and was completed by the RE Advisor, accompanied by three other SACRE members. Members were delighted with progress the children were making at the Centre and were particularly pleased to note that the school offered lots of opportunities for spirituality within the curriculum and had very good links with local faith groups. Children at the Centre had experienced visits to the local church, where experiential learning outside the classroom had taken place. This year (2015-2016), one SACRE meeting was hosted by secondary school within the Local Authority. This gave members the opportunity to visit the school and to engage with staff. On this occasion members were shown the new Reflection Room at Ysgol Clywedog and were pleased to note the inclusive nature of the room, which members felt was successful in offering a quiet and peaceful place for both pupils and staff to reflect or pray during the school day.

(ii) Training for SACRE Members SACRE members have found that the most effective way of addressing training, for themselves, is during their meeting and, on occasions, this has included further exploration of issues discussed at the termly meetings of the Wales Association of SACREs. During the year (2015-2016), issues which have been discussed and considered are the following:

SACRE Monitoring procedures- ‘RE Sharebox’

Donaldson report and Curriculum Review up-dates