RVE Secondary network meetings

Colleagues from across the region meet termly for a day of professional learning and networking opportunities. The format of each day involves an opportunity to hear updates and opportunities within the RVE world, professional development in a faith/ worldview, led by a member of our community. There is also be an opportunity for collaboration and discussion as well as the sharing of good practice and case studies.

Secondary RVE Middle Leaders’ Network meetings have had a significant, positive impact on subject leadership, professional confidence and curriculum development across participating schools. Teachers consistently report that the meetings provide a valuable opportunity to collaborate with colleagues, share effective practice and engage in open and honest professional dialogue. One secondary middle leader described the network as “an invaluable opportunity to learn more about our subject”, highlighting the importance of connecting with others who share a commitment to sustaining and developing RVE within schools.

The network has strengthened leadership capacity by supporting middle leaders to develop a clearer understanding of Curriculum for Wales expectations, progression in RVE and the requirements of local Agreed Syllabi. Through professional discussion, sharing of resources and access to current guidance, leaders have become better equipped to support colleagues, contribute to whole-school curriculum development and advocate for the subject within their settings. Evidence from recent reports also suggests that participation has improved strategic planning and helped leaders to see the wider role of RVE within school improvement and learner development.

The meetings have also contributed to increased consistency and collaboration across schools. By bringing practitioners together from different contexts, the network has enabled schools to exchange practical approaches, discuss common challenges and reduce duplication of effort. This collaborative approach supports the development of high-quality, equitable RVE provision and helps build a sustainable community of practice across the region. Ongoing primary and secondary network meetings have been identified as an important mechanism for building confidence, sharing practice and strengthening professional learning.

Importantly, the network is contributing to the development of distributed leadership within RVE. Recent reports identify the growth of middle leadership and practitioner expertise as key factors in building long-term capacity and ensuring sustainable support for schools. By investing in middle leaders, the network is helping to raise the profile of RVE, strengthen subject expertise and create conditions in which high-quality teaching and learning can flourish.

Overall, the Secondary RVE Middle Leaders Network has become an effective vehicle for professional learning, leadership development and school-to-school collaboration, supporting both immediate improvements in practice and the longer-term sustainability of high-quality RVE provision across the region.