The Religious Education Department

The department comprises of one fulltime member of staff (Dr Staines PT) and two part-time, Mrs Adlam & Mrs Caroll (0.8 & 0.6), plus a sprinkling of non-specialists for upper school.

Its Ethos

 Our aspiration is to instil in our young people a strong sense of faith and values, to seek the good and appreciate the presence of God in their lives, whilst recognising that faith cannot be imposed.

The study of religion is at the heart of what makes us human, and our pursuit of knowledge and understanding leads us to ask deep questions about the nature of human existence, the existence of God, and the meaning of life: emphasising the pursuit of wisdom and truth.

Religious Education Provision

There are two periods dedicated to core RE for all year groups. As part of our young people’s spiritual formation, they also participate in the liturgical seasons of the Catholic Church. There are opportunities for prayer and attending masses.

The RE curriculum follows This Is Our Faith, the syllabus for Catholic religious education in Scotland, which governs the teaching of religious education. 

“This is Our Faith is intended to help parents, teachers, catechists and clergy ensure that young people can: develop their knowledge and understanding of Catholic faith, nurture respect for other Christian traditions and world faiths, experience opportunities for spiritual growth, acquire the skills of reflection, discernment and moral decision-making and commit to beliefs, values and actions in a positive response to God’s invitation to faith.”

 S3 Retreat

S3 Pupils are currently offered a retreat in June to attend a day of reflection and discernment, at St John The Baptist RC Church and Hall, with three workshops on Personality, Vocation & Careers, and Follow Your Dreams. The day concludes with the celebration of Mass.

S3

In addition to core RE, pupils can elect to study a RMPS Religious Moral & Philosophical studies and can be awarded a Nat 3. (Topics covered include a Major World Religion (Islam), Morality & Belief, Religious and Philosophical Questions). This Course or its Units may provide progression to National 4 RMPS.

Senior Phase

S4

In addition to core RE, pupils can elect to study for a Nat 4 / 5 RMPS Religious, Moral & Philosophical Studies. (The Topics covered are a Major world religion (Islam); Morality Medicine & the Human Body or Morality & Justice; the Existence of God or Origins.)

S5 & S6

In addition to core RE, pupils can elect to study for a Higher in RMPS Religious, Moral & Philosophical Studies. (The topics Covered are a Major world religion (Christianity), Morality Medicine and the Human Body or Morality and Justice and The Problem of Suffering and Evil.

 In S6 core RE pupils can elect to study for the Caritas Award.

The Caritas Award, introduced in 2011 as part of the legacy of Pope Benedict XVI’s 2010 UK visit, is designed to encourage and support the ongoing faith journey of young people, particularly those in their final year of school. It celebrates and promotes the practical application of faith through service, reflection, and learning, helping participants witness God’s love—referred to as “Caritas”—in their communities.

Extra-Curricular

The Department is currently involved in running an Eco & Laudato Si group (Praised be to you), from the second letter or encyclical of Pope Francis, “On care for our common home,” inspired by the words of St Francis of Assisi “Canticle of the Creatures” or hymn of praise to God & to creation and the first work of literature written in the Italian language. The department also runs a St Vincent De Paul (SVP) club through fundraising and volunteering. The department also supports the debating club and is involved with SCIAF, through fundraising in Lent, as well as running an active Mary’s Meals club.