News School praised for RE teaching
The quality of religious education (RE) at Snaith Primary School has been branded 'outstanding' by education watchdog Ofsted in the week that it publishes a new report on how the subject is taught in schools.
The report - Making sense of religion: a report on religious education in schools and the impact of locally agreed syllabuses - was published on Monday and, as a result, Snaith School along with Swanland Primary School in North Ferriby, has been earmarked as an establishment with a religious education department that has 'many outstanding features'.
Pupils' personal development in RE at Snaith School is said to be very good and often outstanding. Their approach to learning is very impressive and they have positive and mature attitudes towards their work as a result of the very good climate for learning established in RE lessons.
Lessons are well planned and activities are "usually varied, pacy, carefully explained and highly engaging".
The head of the subject at Snaith School also receives praise, having established a department which embodies very high expectations and has a clear commitment to continuous improvement.
"Religious education is one of the most popular and successful subjects in the school," said Snaith School headteacher Jean Pickerill.
"It is very well taught by a small, enthusiastic and committed team of teachers who provide an excellent climate for learning. Pupils thoroughly enjoy the experience in RE and the level of achievement is high."
Miriam Rosen, Ofsted's director of education, added: "I would like to congratulate the headteachers and staff of both The Snaith School and Swanland Primary School for the quality of the religious education they offer."
This week's report calls for a thorough review of the current statutory position of RE, and it questions whether the subject in non-faith-maintained schools is best served by the current arrangements. At present, RE is placed outside the National Curriculum, with all 151 local authorities having responsibility for developing their own locally agreed syllabus.
The report also argues that RE should not ignore controversy or the changes in the role and significance of religion in the modern world. It claims that pupils should be taught that religion is complex, that its impact is ambiguous and should be given the opportunity to explore that ambiguity.
Published on 21st June 2007 in News.
Add to: Digg | del.icio.us | Reddit
Comments
There are currently no comments
Comment
All comments are subject to moderation (during normal office hours) and may be amended.
Email addresses are required for administration purposes only.
By contributing your comments, you accept our terms and conditions.