The fire next time? A critical discussion of the National Curriculum Framework for RE and the policy recommendations in the Review of Religious Education in England

Abstract

The Religious Education Council’s (REC) 2013 Review of Religious Education in England consists of a National Curriculum Framework for RE (NCFRE) designed to unite the RE community around a shared programme of study for pupils aged 4–14, and a set of six policy recommendations for the consideration of the RE community and government in England. The new NCFRE includes a statement of the purpose of study, shared educational aims and agreed range of content in terms of religions and world views, in parallel with national curriculum documents for other subjects. The policy recommendations, which spring from the same evidence base as the programme of study, address some pressing issues for RE in England, including assessment and qualifications, professional support and development of RE teachers, the structures of the RE professional community and the legal settlement around RE in England.

Keywords:

• RE council
• RE review
• curriculum design
• standards