Religion

Mr. P. Kerr (Head of Department)
Mrs R.Shields
Miss N.Quinlivan
Miss J.Bogan
Miss E.Smyth

St Patrick’s College recognises Religious Studies is an integral and indispensable aspect of the total education of children and young people and therefore, deserves an important place in the life and work of the school. The purpose of Religious Education is to build community and ensure the holistic development of our students. We provide opportunities to deepen faith and enrichment experiences. Through the Religion Programmes delivered at all Key Stages we lay foundations for living life with Christian values, building strong relationships and developing young men and women of sound moral conscience with the resilience needed to develop strong relationships in the modern world. We want to ensure that our young people are fully equipped to take up their place as full contributors to society.

The Religious Studies Department, in harmony with the Principal and whole teaching staff of St. Patrick’s, have a responsibility with regard to the religious, moral and spiritual development of our pupils. We all ensure that the Christian values of respect, love and concern are upheld in the daily life of the school. Students are timetabled for Religious Education throughout their time at St. Patrick’s College.

We also provide opportunities to deepen faith and experience liturgical and sacramental events. We offer Sacrament of Reconciliation, School Masses, Prayer groups, and outreach opportunities and retreats.

Key Stage 3 (Year 8, 9 & 10)

In Key Stage 3 all pupils are taught Religious Education. They are taught in their form classes and follow the Fully Alive programme. The course beings with looking at self, relationships with others and then the life of Jesus, Sacramental life and faith development. Religion is enjoyable, fun and encourages a faith life.

Key Stage 4 (Year 11 & 12)

In Key Stage 4 students study Religious Studies for GCSE, following the CCEA Specification which includes a Study of Mark’s Gospel and a Study of Christian Ethics.

St Mark’s Gospels includes topics such as:

• Parables
• Miracles
• Discipleship
• Death and Resurrection of Christ

Christian Ethics includes topics such as:

• Value of life
• Forgiveness and Reconciliation
• Crime and punishment
• War

Students can also opt to do OCN Religious Studies which is a coursework based equivalency to GCSE RE. A General Religious Studies programme is offered to those students who do not chose to do the subject for GCSE.

Post 16

A Level Religious Studies is undertaken by those students who chose it as an A Level subject option. Students study Global Ethic and they also do a study of Luke’s Gospel.

All Post 16 students are involved in a Spiritual Enrichment Programme, again delivered by specialist Religious Studies teachers, which serves to further develop their faith as young Christian adults in the world. During this programme there are opportunities to consider life issues such as; self-esteem, addiction, relationships and community.

Post 16 students also engage in an outreach programme and opt to offer service in one of the following groups:

Men Shed, Faith Friends, St Vincent de Paul or Sperrinview Special School

• Pope John Paul Awards
• Muiredeach Cross Awards
• Pioneer Club
• St.Vincent De Paul Society
• Social Justice Group
• Rosary Group
• Faith Group