Religious Education Council of England and Wales site syndication http://www.religiouseducationcouncil.org Mon, 11 Mar 2013 00:00:52 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.religiouseducationcouncil.org/content/view/309/45/ If RE were a person, it could be forgiven for feeling a little confused at the moment. Having been left out of the EBacc, it now finds itself on a slightly firmer footing but still not sure whether it's really going to make the team. All sorts of people claim to value its contribution to society and say they're committed to its long term health, but it might wonder how many are actually prepared to take action to secure its future. Reading this month's newsletter might offer it some reassurance. Although the position is still precarious, there is plenty of evidence that many groups of people are willing to act creatively and energetically in RE's best interests. In times of confusion it helps to know who your friends are. Naomi Dalton http://www.religiouseducationcouncil.org/content/view/307/45/ The newest issue of the RE Council's Sponsored Walk Newsletter is now available to download here (http://www.recouncil.org.uk/images/stories/pdf/REC_Sponsored_Walk_Newsletter_Feb_13.pdf).To see more information about the sponsored walk, head to the Sponsored Walk (http://www.religiouseducationcouncil.org/content/blogsection/19/106/) section of the website. Naomi Dalton http://www.religiouseducationcouncil.org/content/view/306/1/ Contrary to what was said in the latest issue of The Tablet, a Department of Education spokeswoman has confirmed to the RE Council that GCSE Religious Studies can count as one of the last group of three subjects in the new Performance Eight measure to be introduced by the government as part of its new school accountability arrangements. She also confirmed that GCSE RS has, nevertheless, not been added to the English Baccalaureate. Naomi Dalton http://www.religiouseducationcouncil.org/content/view/304/46/ Comments on Michael Gove’s statement in the House of Commons and DfE publication of new arrangements for the national curriculum, GCSEs and school accountability on 7 February 2013 from the Chair of the RE Council Naomi Dalton http://www.religiouseducationcouncil.org/content/view/303/62/ The Culham St Gabriel's Trust has issued a press statement giving details of support available through Church College Trusts for people wishing to train as teachers of RE. This is a welcome and much needed response to the withdrawal by the government of training bursaries for PGCE RE trainees. The press statement with a link to the CSTG website and further details is available here (content/view/302/112/). Naomi Dalton