26 February 2003
QCA publishes report for a non-statutory national framework for Religious Education
The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) today publishes a feasibility study for a non-statutory national framework for RE.
The study considers the possibility of further guidance for RE syllabuses through a non-statutory national framework. This framework would provide opportunities for the local and national development of RE whilst retaining the advantages of local responsibility and ownership.
Notes to Editors
- For further information contact the QCA press office on 020 7509 5948. Out of office hours contact 07798 924 552.
- The report can be found on this QCA website.
- The Feasibility Study Report is one of several documents published by QCA since 1992 providing a basis for greater consistency and quality for RE and RS. Following debate in 1992, the Schools Curriculum and Assessment Authority (SCAA) and later QCA published several documents to support SACREs and ASCs and others in their local responsibilities. These included:
- Faith Communities’ Working Group Reports and Model Syllabuses 1 and 2 in 1994
- Exemplification of Standards in RE 1998
- Non Statutory Guidance in 2000, and
- Exemplar Schemes of Workin 2000.
In addition examination criteria for Entry level, GCSE and AS/A Level qualifications in RE and RS published over the years have provided the basis for greater consistency and quality at key stage 4 and beyond. The introduction nationally of GCSE (Short course) RE in 1996-7 provided for an unprecedented growth in the number of young people gaining public recognition for their achievements in RE.