Consultation on the Curriculum and Assessment (Wales) Bill
Evidence submitted to the Children, Young People and Education Committee for Stage 1 scrutiny of the Curriculum and Assessment (Wales) Bill.
James Torrance
Assistant Headteacher, -
1. The Bill’s general principles
1.1 Do you support the principles of the Curriculum and Assessment (Wales) Bill?
No
1.2 Please outline your reasons for your answer to question 1.1
(we would be grateful if you could keep your answer to around 1500 words)
In relation to faith schools, there is already a balanced and fair curriculum available and offered to all our students.
The new bill adds an additional burden to Catholic schools to provide 2 RE curricula, whereas currently that responsibility resides with the LA.
1.3 Do you think there is a need for legislation to deliver what this Bill is trying to achieve?
(we would be grateful if you could keep your answer to around 500 words)
No, I don't think so. The RE curriculum that is being suggested does not comply with the Trust Deeds that the schools are governed by and with the tenants of the church.
2. The Bill’s implementation
2.1 Do you have any comments about any potential barriers to implementing the Bill? If no, go to question 3.1
(we would be grateful if you could keep your answer to around 500 words)
The bill would suggest that there is a loss of trust in Catholic schools by the Welsh Government. Catholic schools already offer a fair and balanced curriculum relating to all world faiths and none and to suggest the need to legislate to provide this would suggest that this does not currently take place or isn't done.
There is a lack of dialogue between WG and the Catholic sector. To engage in dialogue would be to see that this already exists in our schools. There has been no response from the WG to the letter sent from ALL Catholic Headteachers in Wales. This is extremely disappointing.
The current situation with COVID means that teachers, schools and leaders are already under significant strain and pressure. To introduce this approach and a new bill that requires additional time and energy would be inappropriate and unfair to teachers and schools wellbeing.
2.2 Do you think the Bill takes account of these potential barriers?
(we would be grateful if you could keep your answer to around 500 words)
No
3. Unintended consequences
3.1 Do you think there are there any unintended consequences arising from the Bill? If no, go to question 4.1
(we would be grateful if you could keep your answer to around 500 words)
Schools would be in breach of the Trust Deed in which they were established by not providing a RE curriculum that approved by the church.
It creates a negative impression of Catholic schools, that they are not balanced in their teaching.
It undermines the subject of RE as a rigorous subject.
There is also a cause of discrimination against Catholic schools for treating the schools in a way that prejudices people of faith. This could open WG to a potential legal challenge in the future.
4. Financial implications
4.1 Do you have any comments on the financial implications of the Bill (as set out in Part 2 of the Explanatory Memorandum)? If no, go to question 5.1
(we would be grateful if you could keep your answer to around 500 words)
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5. Powers to make subordinate legislation
5.1 Do you have any comments on the appropriateness of the powers in the Bill for Welsh Ministers to make subordinate legislation (as set out in Chapter 5 of Part 1 of the Explanatory Memorandum). If no, go to question 6.1.
(we would be grateful if you could keep your answer to around 500 words)
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6. Other considerations
6.1 Do you have any other points you wish to raise about this Bill?
(we would be grateful if you could keep your answer to around 1000 words)
I find it extremely disappointing that the Welsh Government believes there is a need to legislate on this issue. To do so suggests that there is a lack of trust in the faith sector in terms of education (whether that is intentional or not) to deliver a fair and balanced curriculum. It suggests that the teachers can not be trusted to deliver fair and balanced RSE and RE.
Catholic schools in Wales have a long history of supporting all aspects of society and young people, this bill goes against that history and trust by taking away historic rights afforded to Catholic schools in Wales.
This new bill would require Catholic schools to offer a curriculum that doesn't reflect our traditions and communities, one of the reasons why Catholic schools were set up in the first place.