Agenda and draft minutes

The Rev R Allaway chaired our meeting in the absence of Jenny Stonhold. Having asked members to introduce themselves we had a moment of silence for reflection or prayers.

Apologies were received from Jenny Stonhold. The Clerk advised that Ms Muriel Huntley of the Methodist faith had tendered her resignation and nomination for a replacement had been requested.

The new Local Authority representative, Barbara Breed, introduced herself as the new Head of Continuing Professional Development.  We were advised that both she and Denise Chaplin, the RE Advisor to SACRE, had contacted Waltham Forest to organise details about acquiring the rights to modify their Agreed Syllabus to become our Agreed Syllabus (agreed at the last meeting on 14.12.06).  We noted that work was in progress on its corporate branding in order to personalise it for Haringey.

SACRE noted that a financial projection had been worked up for the rest of the financial year and 2007/8; with photography being funded from this years’ budget (due to be discussed later on this agenda).

Members are asked to come to the meeting with ideas about the following:

a) which local places of worship they feel should be photographed for inclusion in the syllabus materials (preferably no more than 1 for each faith-  2 or at the most 3 for Christianity) both interior & exterior. We will need contact details to pass on to the photographers.

b) which significant local places of worship should be included in a small borough map inside the syllabus folder - we will need addresses.

The Chair tabled details of two Haringey places of worship to photograph; Brook Street Chapel (noting the connection to Hudson Taylor and Dr Barnardo) and the Greek Orthodox Cathedral (permission would need to be sought from the Bishop).  

Denise Chaplin suggested that there should also be a ‘typical’ Anglican church. Mr Mariner proposed St Anne’s CofE (he would investigate). The parish church of St Michael’s, Wood Green was also suggested.

Representative places of worship were to be marked on a map of Haringey, and it was thought that these could also be photographed. Dr Allaway had suggested: Gospel Centre (Pentecostal) and St John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church – both in Wightman Road; St Mark’s CE and Salvation Army, both off Lyminton Avenue; Eldon Road Baptist and St Benet Fink (High CE), both near Lordship Lane.   We noted that it would be necessary to obtain the agreement of the churches and that the places of worship had to be within Haringey. Also, Anglican All Hallows Parish Church in Tottenham (where a Vicar had been a Translator of the Authorised [King James] Version of the Bible).

During the course of our discussions, other faith group representatives offered possible venues; ie Highgate Murugan (Shavaite) Temple; Bahia 19 Day Feast gathering; Quaker Meeting House at Muswell Hill; Synagogue at Muswell Hill (but to be mindful of the Jewish Faith’s concerns about security); Wightman Road Mosque; North London Buddhist Centre (and/or a gathering in a private house).      

The Quaker representative (Mr Kielczewski) agreed to send some pictures to Barbara Breed.  Mr Kielczewski also offered his services as a photographer for this project, which represented a considerable saving on the £1500 quoted for the services of a photographer for just one day.  Cllr Jones and Barbara Breed agreed to investigate if we could proceed with his generous offer.  Denise Chaplin advised that both she and Barbara Breed were in contact with Haringey’s Design and Print Team.  In answer to members’ questions, they agreed to investigate the production of a CD-Rom, including a faith trail or virtual tour and web links etc and suggested that the Design and Print Team be invited to our next Agreed Syllabus Conference.

We noted the introduction to the Lambeth Agreed Syllabus and Denise Chaplin asked members for input to Haringey’s introduction; depicting their perceptions of RE Teaching.  In response to questions, we noted that Lambeth was very similar to Haringey for key stages 1&2 and about 50% of Key Stage 3.  Teachers would be invited to evaluate the agreed syllabus once it had been established.

The following suggestions we made:

·           ‘Space for reflection of one’s own beliefs and the opportunity to gain knowledge and understanding of the major world faiths in Haringey and respect for those holding them’

·           ‘A Celebration of Community Cohesion and Diversity’

·           ‘The importance of faith in the well-being of a community and respect for each other’

·           ‘Beliefs to make sense of life; even if one is not religious’

·           ‘Providing tools and knowledge to build bridges of understanding’

·           ‘Common Core of understanding, respect and knowledge’

·           ‘Understanding, tolerance and respect, if not agreement’

·           ‘Respectful disagreement; towards living harmoniously and in peace’

·           ‘Knowledge to take beyond education; conflict resolution as a life skill’.

·           ‘A contribution to cohesive, positive and peaceful communities, not just to nurture a particular faith; education, not indoctrination’

Denise Chaplin explained that within the Key Stage 3 section of the Syllabus, as well as units focussed on learning about the 5 major faiths and the Transition Unit, there were to be choices from a the pool of optional units which could be changed on an annual basis.   Three units from the QCA website were set out in the report, demonstrating how the Non Statutory Framework could be used.   There was general agreement that this was clearer than previous syllabi and very prescriptive and ‘teacher friendly’.  SACRE noted these needed to be tailored to the requirements of Haringey, whilst remaining respectful of global citizenship.  In summary, the Chair commented that teaching morals and ethics were particularly popular in secondary education.  In order to progress this we agreed to set up the following working parties:

Christianity – 5 March 4.30 pm – 6.30 pm (teachers to attend from midday) at the PDC

Hinduism –   21 March at PDC or Temple (car parking available) – 10 am start.

Members of SACRE wishing to attend these meetings should inform Denise Chaplin or Barbara Breed.

We agreed this was an innovative approach but would again need to be personalised for Haringey.  We noted the author’s intellectual rights and that pages 79 – 82 would have to stay the same for this reason.  The RE Advisor advised that the Unit was pitched at Year 7 (Spring Term) and included both key stage 2 & 3 practice.  We discussed links to local faith forums and noted that Mr Alli,   Mr Kielczewski and Ms Parsons were members of the local Interfaith Group.  In summary, the Chair agreed to investigate the London Mennonite Centre’s work in conflict resolution and promoting peace.   We also noted the Bruce Castle Peace Garden.   Members present agreed that further discussions with the author be progressed. It was agreed that subject to Mr Mariner’s approval, Denise Chaplin would arrange to purchase the rights to amend the Interfaith Dialogue Unit for the Key Sate 3 section of the Syllabus. The Clerk would therefore contact Mr Mariner for his approval.

Next Agreed Syllabus Conference – 23 April 2007 at 6.30pm, Civic Centre, Wood Green N22.

Next SACRE Meeting – 22 March 2007 at 7:00pm, Civic Centre, Wood Green N22.

The meeting ended at 9:15pm