Religious Studies Dept.

Staff

• Mrs P Mc Grane (HOD)
• Mr C O'Hare
• Mrs P Farmer
• Mrs C Conlon
• Mr M Doran

Overview

The Religious Education Department is the heartbeat of school life in St Colman's College. Our aim is to instil in students an appreciation of Catholic teachings, of Gospel values and a strong sense of morals based on Jesus' teaching in the Gospels. The department strives to support the faith and spiritual development of our students to give students an appreciation of the importance of prayer and the Church in their daily lives.  Ultimately the department hopes that each student develops a sense of their own dignity and appreciation of their humanity as unique individuals, made in the image of God.

We work on a common thread of mutual respect between pupil and teacher with our objective very much focused on the student, their enjoyment of the subject as well as maintaining high academic standards. Throughout the seven years it is hoped that Religious Education provides our students with the opportunity to come to a greater understanding of their faith and of the Church. As such the department constantly seeks to provide students with a variety of quality learning experiences, employing a wide range of teaching strategies. The department strives to develop a strong sense of independent learning by making full use of the iPad and VLE as key components in delivering the curriculum at all levels. It is hoped that as a result students will become more confident, motivated and self -disciplined so as to maximise their potential in the subject and prepare them for university and working life. A study of Religion opens up a world where students are asked to describe, to explain, to evaluate, to compare and to analyse.  They will develop their debating skills and learn to articulate and develop their points of view with clarity, as well as being understanding and acknowledging other viewpoints.

All students study Religious Education.

• Years 8-10 students follow the Fully Alive programme.
• Years 11-12 students study CCEA GCSE Religious Studies.
• Years 13-14 students study CCEA AS and A2 Religious Studies.
• Years 13-14 students who do not study Religion academically attend a faith development class for one hour per week.

The spiritual life of our students is enhanced with the many opportunities for prayer and reflection provided by the department. Ably supported by Canon Hackett we provide opportunities for personal reflection in the classroom and in the College Chapel. The department is also actively involved in preparing students in J1 for Class Masses and in J2-S4 for Year Group Masses.  During Lent we take the lead in organising the Annual Sponsored Walk to the Cathedral for the Whole School Mass, which is part of our link with St Leo's College, Lodwar, via Trocaire. The department also arranges Retreats, Services in Advent and on Ash Wednesday, and Weekly Lenten Prayer Services for juniors. A variety of visitors also speak to students during Religious Education which broadens their experience of school life. It is hoped that through all of these experiences the students will leave St Colman's with a strong sense of Roman Catholic Values and an enriched experience of presence of God in their lives.