Religious Education
We are a Catholic school where our pupils are encouraged to participate fully in the Religious Education programme and practice of the faith.
Through an invitational approach, the school endeavours to lead pupils to a deeper, active and more personal faith and to create an atmosphere where Christian qualities find practical expression in everyday life.
We warmly welcome pupils from other faith groups and value the richness and breadth they bring to our school community.
Faith schools create an environment where a young person can explore their purpose and place in the world. Freedom of personal choice, opinion and the development of critical faculty
are central elements of reasoned faith and are treasured and promoted across the curriculum. Any parent who wishes to discuss any aspect of faith development, Religious Education or the right to withdraw should contact the Vice Principal.
Throughout the year, opportunities are created for pupils to experience prayer and to participate in the sacraments and in paraliturgies, especially during the liturgical seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter. Pupils in Years 8 to 10 have an annual one day retreat, an opportunity to further develop their faith and understanding of God.
During Advent and Lent there is a whole school response to communities in need both locally and abroad.
The Religious Education programme, Fully Alive, followed by pupils in Years 8 to 10, is a continuation and development of the Catholic primary school programme. It includes elements
of doctrine, morals, liturgy, sacraments, prayer and major world religions. Year 11 and 12 pupils follow the CCEA GCSE Religious Studies syllabus which involves the study of Sacred Scripture and the chief tenets of Christian belief and ethical practice. The pupils sit one unit at the end of Year 11 and one unit at the end of Year 12.
The school-designed Sixth Form programme provides pupils with opportunities to reflect on their own faith experience and the demands of Christian living in contemporary society. In addition, pupils who take Religious Studies to AS/A2 level follow the CCEA syllabus which includes options on the Philosophy of Religion and Ethics, with special reference to Medical Ethics.
