What is the purpose of classroom Religious Education in a Catholic School?
But firstly, what is ‘Religious Education,’ the National Catholic Education Commission publication says, “ the learning area of Religious Education and its formal curriculum, that is the classroom learning and teaching of religion.”
The paper goes on to say…
“Religious Education in Australian Catholic schools develops students’ knowledge and understandings of Christianity in the light of Jesus and the Gospel, and its unfolding story and diversity within contemporary Australian and global society. It expands students’ spiritual awareness and religious identity, fostering their capacities and skills of discerning, interpreting, thinking critically, seeking truth and making meaning. It challenges and inspires their service to others and engagement in the Church and the world.”
So, what are the features of Rosary School’s high-quality Religious Education?
• The School gives a priority to RE
• Scripture is central to learning and teaching
• RE is treated like any other learning area
• There is a dialogue between the students experiences and perspectives and the Catholic Tradition and other religious worldviews
• There is explicit and comprehensive engagement with the Catholic Tradition • There is a connection with student learning, the parish and outreach
• The school works to engage parents and families with the child’s learning
The curriculum that guides the teaching of Religious Education is named, “Crossways.” It has recently been updated and next year our teachers will become very familiar with the new curriculum which sits within the larger CESA strategy of, “Thriving people, capable learners and leaders for the world God desires.”
The new curriculum still holds the learner at the centre and central to their learning is the “Wisdom” strand which is integrated and focuses on ‘deep skills’ and wisdom that RE students develop as learners alongside their growth in knowledge and understanding.
The Wisdom strand is central but integrated through the five strands of:
• God, us and faith
• Sacred Texts
• Church for the world
• Moral life
• Spirituality and Prayer
We look forward to sharing more about the new curriculum next year.
Hoping to see many faces at next week’s “Mass of the Roses.”
Damian Weeks