Religious Education Department

 

 

  HOD:

Miss B. Bannon
  Teachers: Miss D. Gorman
  Mrs C. Mc Hugh
  Mrs R. Shields
  Mrs P. Ferguson
  Mrs C. Turbitt

 

 

Key Stage 3

Students are using the new Veritas series “Fully Alive” and new RSE materials. Our aims in Junior R.E are mainly catechetical with a strong emphasis on faith formation. To this end, we also take responsibility for Weekly Junior Assemblies.

 

Key Stage 4

All students complete a NICEA GCSE in Religious Studies. This academic course ensures that a high level of religious knowledge reinforces the KS3 faith formation. It includes Scripture, the Church in the Modern World and Moral issues.

 

Post 16

We offer a range of A’ Level options including Luke’s Gospel, Acts of the Apostles, Old Testament Prophecy, Islam and a study of the Celtic Church. High results have enabled many students to enter universities of their choice.

 

 

Post-16 – Year 13

All Post-16 students continue an adult faith development programme in R.E. In Year 13, we have a parish-based programme in St Joseph’s Hall where we cover a wide range of social, personal and moral issues.

 

As an extension of this, students also choose, from a range of options, an outreach unit. For a single class period each week, students meet with groups in the community and follow a programme to enhance the life experience of both parties. These include outreach to the elderly in the parish, to St Vincent de Paul, to First Communion and Confirmation children in Loreto P.S, to children from Arvalee Resource Centre, to Amnesty International and to children in the Sunshine Project in Romania. These programmes are active, practical and engaging as the students discover and use their gifts to build Christian Community.

 

Post-16 – Year 14

In year 14, students return to a classroom – based, reflective programme, which serves as preparation for leaving home and school. Students are also offered a residential retreat in Loreto House, Linsfort. It is directed by Rev J Cargan C.C, Maghera. This is one of the highlights of the whole school experience.

 

 

Extra-curricular

Liturgy Team – Fifteen students belong to this team which prepares and contributes to our School Liturgies. They are receiving formation to develop their understanding of Liturgy and have followed two residential sessions in St Clement’s Retreat Centre in Belfast. Each year they are part of the Opening School Mass in Sept, a Christmas Liturgy, an Ash Wednesday service, an Easter Liturgy and any other special events.