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RELIGIOUS EDUCATION  

Catholic schools in Northern Ireland provide a religious education programme to all its pupils. The school supports the parents in their responsibility of educating and nurturing their children in the faith. This co-operation is based on a shared vision of the central aim of Catholic education ,ie the integral development of the human person.     

                    " I have come that you may have life and have it to the full." John 10:10

Through the religious education programme the pupils are given the opportunity to:

•     develop their understanding of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit;
•     appreciate the Scriptures;
•     celebrate the sacraments;
•     understand the Church and its teachings;
•     experience different forms of prayer;
•     pray as a member of a faith community;
•     be supported in their faith and spiritual development;
•     appreciate and put into practice Christian values;
•     understand and appreciate the faith and religious beliefs of others;
•     learn about and follow the example of Christian role models;
•     synthesise faith and practice;
•     discuss, analyse, research and debate religious issues.    

            Summary of the Religious Education Programme  

  PRIMARY PROGRAMME:   “ALIVE – O"

                  Early Years (Nursery, Years 1,2 & 3)                   

“I am Special”- each child is valued and respected as unique and special to God.

First Step – the child becomes aware of his /her experiences. 

Teachers-        

Create an atmosphere of warmth and care.        

Provide a positive Christian role model.        

Teach the child to pray/ pray with the child.        

Present God as a God who cares.        

Introduce children to doctrine in form of New Testament. 

Child Develops-        

Attitudes of love, praise and thanks.        

Attitudes of awe and wonder at the beauty of God’s creation.        

Christian values of love, respect, tolerance, generosity, forgiveness.        

Attitudes of self-acceptance, sharing, caring, self- criticism & control.        

Awareness of priests in the parish.

                                       Middle Years (Years 4 & 5) As in Early Years +

Teachers-

Teach children that their actions and attitudes impact on others’ lives.

Help children to become aware of the needs of others in school/community/ world.

Pupils-

Sense of belonging – to be with others / peer group is important.

Explore the spirit of: Love, Friendship, Work, Creativity,Reconciliation,Celebration.

Grow in sense of responsibility for the earth and its resources.

Develop freedom to make choices.

Discover consequences of choices – effect on others and themselves.

Become able to see things from another’s point of view.  

         Senior Years (Upper Primary – Years 6 & 7)

As in Early Years and Middle Years +

Teachers-

Create the classroom atmosphere - of openess,respect,care and trust, where children feel valued and their uniqueness and potential are recognised.

Children Learn-

That they are known and loved by God.

That they can talk to God / God is listening.

That there are different ways of praying.

To be aware of the needs of others – to share / be truthful.

A sense on independence and interdependence on one another.

To give thanks for the love and care they receive.

To recognise their own potential for being loving and caring people.

To use their creative talents.

 A sense of moral responsibility – responses to rules, expectations.

To follow the teachings and example of Christ, Mary and the Saints.

To understand the Church as a global and Catholic community.

To develop a Christian conscience and to live as a Christian.

                       POST PRIMARY PROGRAMME – “FULLY ALIVE” 

The range of topics covered at Key Stage 3 include:

Understanding of God and His Church.

Knowing oneself.

Making decisions.

Awareness of God’s revelation in scripture.

Relationships-family,peers,teachers,community,opposite sex.

Appreciation of the individual.

Respect for God.

Respect for each other.

Responsibility towards others.

Understanding world religions.

Respect for the environment.

POST PRIMARY PROGRAMME - GCSE RELIGIOUS STUDIES 

Middle Years (Middle Secondary – Years 11 & 12) 

 The range of topics covered in Key Stage 4 include:  

 A study of other Christian traditions.                       

Christian discipleship, prayer and spirituality.                       

Scripture study.                       

Suffering and death.                       

Respect for love.                       

Respect for life.                       

Morality, choices and decision making.                       

Conflict, reconciliation and forgiveness.                       

Marriage and family life.                       

Community responsibility and social harmony.                       

Relationships.                       

Religions and the environment.                       

Work, leisure and employment.

     SENIOR GENERAL R.E. / RELIGIOUS STUDIES A LEVEL            

 Upper Years (Post 16 – Years 13 & 14) 

The range of topics offered at this level include: 

The Early Church.

The Celtic Church.

Old Testament History and Prophecy.

New Testament Study.                                      

The Church in the Modern World.

Ethics, Philosophy and Morality.

Christian stewardship.          

Faith and practice in action.

Spiritual,moral and personal development.

Mutual understanding and outreach.

Prayer and meditation.