SACRE - Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education
Every Local Education Authority (LEA) in England and Wales is obliged to have a SACRE. It's function is to advise the Local Authority in matters concerning the teaching of Religious Education and Collective Acts of Worship. It can strongly influence the teaching of religion within schools and, considering that at this time there is no National Curriculum for Religious Education, provides guidance to teachers and governors of schools in each LEA.
In these pages we intend to
- examine how we, as Twenty-first century Druids, ought to be involved in determining the sort of religious education our children are taught. This is a matter that affects folk of all faiths and none, and Druids are not alone in being under represented in this area.
- offer guidance on making contact with your own LEA SACRE with a view to establishing links and perhaps seeking membership yourself.
- host articles by Members who have already sought and gained places on their SACRE.
*** Updates ***
At least two more Druid / Pagan folk are now seeking co-option onto their local SACRE committees, and we'll keep this site updated as we learn of their progress!
Boar is approaching his own SACRE for Membership. He is currently completing his studies to become a secondary RE teacher and now seeks to bring his insights into Paganism into his professional life.
Boar Article: SACRE membership - another journey begins
Marianne has now been accepted onto her local SACRE committee and takes her seat at the first meeting in February 2008. Congratulations to her and blessings for the success of her initiative. A primary teacher for ten years and now working part time within the school environment, she is hopeful that she will bring a fresh perspective to religious education in her Local Authority. We'll keep updating this page as her journey unfolds, and look forward articles on 'being a SACRE representative' that show both the successes and challenges ahead.
Marianne Article: A Voyage into SACRE - beginnings
