A NEW religious education syllabus will be rolled out across North Somerset following consultation with several representatives of local religious organisations.

More emphasis will be put on getting children to realise the importance of religion in creating a cohesive community.

North Somerset’s standing advisory council on religious education (SACRE) launched the Awareness, Mystery and Value 2011 last week by holding a seminar for headteachers and school governors.

The programme was finalised following discussions with the Church of England, North Somerset Council and other Christian denominations and religions.

Cllr Tony Moulin, chair of North Somerset SACRE, said: “We have an excellent new syllabus for North Somerset and we want schools to ensure that sufficient funding is set aside in their budgets for delivery of good quality religious education. RE is an absolutely vital part of the curriculum.”

The syllabus will be used in schools throughout Bath, Somerset and Bristol.