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Delegated Decisions by Cabinet Member for Schools Improvement – 6 March 2007

Statement of Decision

Religious Education in Oxfordshire – The Agreed Syllabus

Present:

Documentation considered:

A copy is attached to the signed copy of this decision.

Cabinet Member’s Comments

I welcome the Agreed Syllabus which builds on current document but marks a step forward:

·                    By the end of Key Stage 3, year 9 pupils will have had the opportunity to encounter some aspects of all 6 major world religions although Christianity remains a focus.

·                    It provides a more challenging syllabus with a greater focus on challenging questions, through an increased emphasises on learning from religion as well as learning about religion; and

·                    It contributed to ECM outcomes, citizenship education and pupils’ spiritual, moral, social, cultural development.

I would like to express thanks especially to Don Manley, Chair of the Agreed Syllabus Conference who is after all a volunteer and Nigel Fancourt, Chair of the Writing Group who is also Head of RE at Lord Williams, Thame and has been excellent.

All members of the Writing Group have worked very hard in taking on board comments, suggestions etc from faith communities and other groups.  Thanks also to all members of the Full Conference who have attended extra meetings over time and who have contributed and listened to each other very well.

Decision

Having regard to the arguments and options set out in the documentation before me, the representations made to me and the further considerations set out above, I confirm my decisions on this matter as follows:

to confirm the revised Agreed Syllabus for Oxfordshire with effect from September 2008 and to agree its dissemination to schools.

Signed .........................................................................

            Cabinet Member for Schools Improvement

Date ………………………200