Asked by: Rebecca Smith (Conservative - South West Devon)
Question to the Department for Education:
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether she plans to hold discussions with religious education organisations on developing a national standard for religious education as part of her Department's curriculum and assessment review.
Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Education)
Religious education (RE) remains a statutory subject in all state-funded schools in England. While it is not part of the national curriculum, it continues to play an important role in preparing pupils for life in modern Britain.
The independent Curriculum and Assessment Review, led by Professor Becky Francis, is considering how to ensure a rich, broad, inclusive and innovative curriculum. The Review is engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, including subject experts and education organisations. As part of the Review’s engagement, panel members have met representatives from a range of RE organisations.
The Review Group published its interim report on 18 March and the final report with recommendations will be published in autumn.
Asked by: Rebecca Smith (Conservative - South West Devon)
Question to the Department for Education:
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what plans she has to replace the funding of the Stimulating Physics Network.
Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Education)
This government has inherited significant pressures on public finances and difficult decisions must be made on how money is spent right across the public sector to ensure we deliver on our priorities. Despite these challenges, the department continues to promote physics and support participation in the subject.
As part of this support, the department is continuing to fund the Subject Knowledge for Physics Teaching programme. This is a series of blended learning courses covering the key stage 3 and key stage 4 physics curriculum to support non-specialist teachers of physics to enhance their subject knowledge.
The government is additionally continuing to fund the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) Ambassadors programme, a nationwide network of more than 28,000 volunteers registered from over 7,500 employers, reaching over 3 million young people every year. These volunteers engage with young people to spark interest in STEM subjects and showcase the wide variety of STEM careers by sharing their personal experiences.
Further, the Oak National Academy aims to support teachers to improve curriculum delivery, reduce workload and support improved pupil outcomes up to key stage 4. This will ensure that all pupils have access to high-quality physics content giving them the best opportunity to progress to study physics or other STEM subjects at higher levels.