*** DEBUG START ***
*** DEBUG END ***

RE is next for GCSE reform

28 June 2013

RELIGIOUS education is to be included in the next tranche of subjects in the Government's examination-reform programme. It is expected that the first new-look GCSE in Religious Studies will be taken in 2016. The development was confirmed this week at a meeting between officials from the Department for Education (DfE) and representatives of the RE Council.

The move, which RE leaders had hoped for, will bring Religious Studies in line with reforms already begun in the core curriculum subjects. The chairman of the RE Council, John Keast, said that it would be working closely with the DfE on the changes, and would consult with faith leaders.

It is not yet clear whether the short course in RE, which leads to a half-GCSE, would be retained under the new examinations regime. The short course has proved popular with pupils since its introduction more than a decade ago, accounting for about 250,000 of the 400,000 GCSE entrants in Religious Studies each year. Last year, a slight rise in entrants for the full course was countered by a small drop in numbers taking the short course.

"This year's numbers will be a clear indication of the trend," Mr Keast said.

Browse Church and Charity jobs on the Church Times jobsite

Forthcoming Events

Women Mystics: Female Theologians through Christian History

13 January - 19 May 2025

An online evening lecture series, run jointly by Sarum College and The Church Times

tickets available

 

Festival of Faith and Literature

28 February - 2 March 2025

tickets available

 

Visit our Events page for upcoming and past events 

Welcome to the Church Times

 

To explore the Church Times website fully, please sign in or subscribe.

Non-subscribers can read four articles for free each month. (You will need to register.)