Introduction
Achieving success in a happy and hardworking atmosphere, where each individual matures in a supportive environment.
Our work within the Religious Education Department is centred upon the needs of the individual child. We strive to work in close partnership with our pupils, parents, colleagues and community to develop the whole person academically, vocationally, physically, morally, spiritually and emotionally. Each pupil will have the opportunity to develop all their talents and skills to the full and in doing so create independent, confident and responsible young adults of the future.
Members of Department
Head of Department: |
Ms Marie Canavan |
Staff members: |
Mrs Anna Kennedy |
|
Miss Michelle Colton |
School Chaplain: |
Fr. Joseph Rooney |
Subject Information
Religious Education is a compulsory subject for all students at Key Stage 3 and 4. Some pupils may choose to continue to their study of RE at Advanced Level.
At Key Stage 3 students follow the Fully Alive series endorsed by the Diocesan Advisors. The series successfully fulfils the demands of the core curriculum. Within this programme students study a variety of topics such as the Bible, Islam, Judaism and moral issues.
At Key Stage 4 students follow the AQA GCSE specification in Religious Education Unit 5 St Mark’s Gospel in Year 11 and Unit 4 Roman Catholicism: Ethics in Year 12. Another course offered at KS4 is the Christian Lifestyle syllabus as set out by the Diocesan Advisors. Accreditation will be awarded on successful completion of the course.
At Key Stage 5 a growing number of students take up GCE Religious Studies. The students follow the CCEA specification for AS and A2 and have the opportunity to study two of the following modules:
Year 13 |
Year 14 |
|
| AS1 An introduction to the Gospel of Luke | A21 The Theology of the Gospel of Luke | |
| AS5 The origins of the Celtic Church in Ireland and the beginnings of its missionary outreach | A25 A Study of the Development and Impact of the Celtic Church in the 5th, 6th and 7th Centuries. | |
| The Christian Church in the Roman Empire, Beginnings, Expansion and External Pressure | Development of the Christian Church in the Roman Empire to AD 325 |
Examination success in RE
As a department we are delighted with the continued improved performance
of our GCSE students. The tables below indicate the grades achieved
Academic Year 2008 - 2009
GCSE Performance
Results 2008-09
|
A*/A
|
B
|
C
|
Actual grades
|
3/5
|
17
|
16
|
Academic Year 2007 - 2008
GCSE Performance
Results 2007/08 |
A / A*
|
B
|
C
|
Actual grades |
3 |
11
|
16
|
Academic Year 2008 - 2009
A2 Performance
Results 2008/09
|
A
|
B
|
C
|
Actual grades |
1
|
2
|
2
|
Academic Year 2007 - 2008
A2 Performance
Results 2007/08
|
A
|
B
|
C
|
Actual grades
|
|
3
|
1
|
Departmental News
Our school chaplains play an integral part within the College life by assisting throughout the year with our liturgical services. Para liturgies are celebrated for the opening of the new academic year, Christmas and Easter. There is a celebration of Mass for parents, students and teachers to welcome our New Year 8 students and a Thanksgiving Mass to acknowledge our leavers in Years 12 and 14.
Throughout the year students will also have the opportunity to attend the Life Conference, Ploughshare Conference, retreats and visits to places of religious significance.
We have a school oratory for prayer services and quiet reflection. The students have successfully set up a Faith Development Group to assist with the strengthening and nurturing of the faith of all our students. A Saint Vincent De Paul group has also been established to help those less fortunate in our community. The College is actively involved in fundraising and our main charities are Trocaire, and SVP. Sterling work has already been achieved for which we are very proud and we will strive to sustain this in the future.
Faith Development Group
The College Faith Development Group was set up in September 2008 by a group of sixth year students. The group consists of pupils from a variety of Christian traditions working together to instil and promote the Christian values of Love, Truth and Justice.
The students are involved with the organisation and delivery of the liturgical services throughout the year, as well as assisting with fundraising activities.
The students have established a strong link with the Youth Ministry Team in Newcastle Upon Tyne and have been on a number of faith based trips.
St. Vincent De Paul Society
The society of St. Vincent De Paul is a Christian Voluntary organisation, working with poor and disadvantaged people. The society is involved in a diverse range of activities such as the organisation of Christmas Hampers and visitations to those in local Nursing Homes.
The College St. Vincent De Paul Society consists of a number of pupils from years 13 and 14. The society is open to all year groups and new members are always welcome.
Mass of Chrism
On Thursday 1st April the College were honoured to
be given the opportunity to lead the Mass of Chrism
in St Peter’s Cathedral in Belfast. This mass is
attended by all the priests in the Down and Connor
Diocese so it was pleasure to be involved and have
such a vital role. The College Vice Principal and a
Senior student Paul Cain read the liturgy of the
word and Josh Hall, Mark Mullan and Steven Conlan
were given the opportunity to altar serve. The 3
members of the RE department alongside 13 students
did the offertory procession. Not only is the Mass a
very special event in the College calendar but also
for our College as we approach our Jubilee
celebrations. It will be a memory that we will
all treasure.
Retreats
Each year we take various year groups to De La Salle Retreat Centre in Belfast. A retreat is a break from the routine of everyday school activities, where young people are given the opportunity to look deeply at their own lives and the nature of their own belief. This is done through games, discussion, craft-activities, prayer and liturgy.