The Most Reverend Vincent Nichols, the Archbishop of Westminster, has attacked the decision to exclude Religious Studies and Education from the English Baccalaureate, describing the move as ‘indefensible’. The new qualification, which was included in school league tables for the first time this year, is awarded to pupils who gain at least a C grade in English, maths, science, a humanities subject (either history or geography) and a language. But the Archbishop criticised the omission of religious education, claiming it was ‘an invaluable help in the project of building the common good and of self-fulfilment’. He added: ‘Religious Studies surely can be seen to be at the heart of the study of humanities. Indeed in Catholic schools, RE is at the 'heart of the curriculum'. It can claim to be the humanity, par excellence’. (See Prayer Alert 04-2011) Pray: for recognition of R.E. as an important part of the school curriculum. (Ex.18:20)