 Update on Catholic religious education
RERC Curriculum Framework
Working in partnership with the Catholic Education Commission, LTS have published details of experiences and outcomes for Catholic Religious Education (RERC) as part of the Curriculum for Excellence framework. Please note that these details are currently provisional and still subject to final agreement between the Scottish Government and the Catholic Education Commission. That process, which reflects the statutory position of Catholic schools in Scotland, is ongoing.
THIS IS OUR FAITH
This is Our Faith, which is being developed over a period of time to provide teachers with supplementary guidance on the teaching of Catholic religious education, has been updated with effect from 18th May 2009. It is published by the Scottish Catholic Education Service (SCES) on behalf of the Catholic Education Commission and is also currently provisional. This guidance should be used by teachers and schools to shape the learning of children and young people in this key area of the curriculum through all the stages of primary education and up to S3 in secondary school.
Section 1 outlines the Church’s expectation of the Catholic school, its vital role in the faith formation of young people and the nature and purpose of religious education.
Section 2 is intended to support teachers in developing their understanding of the ‘Strands of Faith’ – the key aspects of Catholic Christianity which will be addressed in Catholic religious education.
Further sections will provide guidance on the teaching process in Catholic religious education, outline the core learning expected to be experienced by children and young people at various stages and levels and suggest some illustrative practice in learning and teaching.
SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLANS
As schools develop their plans for building the curriculum, they will be balancing various priorities as staff become familiar with experiences and outcomes in various curriculum areas. It is vital that, as Catholic schools establish their improvement plans, teachers should pay significant attention to the centrality of the religious education and faith development of young people.
It is important that teachers are encouraged to give early consideration to the experiences and outcomes for Catholic religious education (RERC) to ensure that they will be embedded at the heart of the learning experience. This will require dedicated time for teachers to reflect on the value and purpose of Catholic religious education and to develop their understanding of the Strands of Faith.
It is vital that school leadership teams and staff in local authorities support this priority with resources and time dedicated to developing excellent practice in religious education.
SUPPORT FOR SCHOOLS
Schools will be supported in their reflection and planning by SCES, by Diocesan R.E. Advisers, and by the University of Glasgow’s Faculty of Education through the provision of various CPD opportunities and resources. Details of CPD events will be provided in the Faith and Teaching CPD Catalogue published by SCES, in the SCES website, and in CPD literature issued by Dioceses and by the Faculty.
For session 2009-10 R.E. forward planners for Primary schools are being developed to bridge the gap between 5-14 curriculum and the new RERC curriculum. Details from your Diocesan R.E. Advisers and from SCES.
GLOW
Useful information and resources are being provided through GLOW, the national schools intranet, where you will find opportunities to reflect and plan on appropriate learning in Catholic religious education.
Click here to read more.
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May 2009
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STRANDS OF FAITH
Mystery of God
refers to human experiences of wonder and awe, mystery and suffering.
In the Image of God
reflects the understanding of each person having been made in God’s image and likeness, endowed with unique talents which we are called to develop in living “life to the full”.
Revealed Truth of God
expresses how God is revealed in the Trinity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit and how we are called to relationship with God and with each other.
Son of God
explores the life and teachings of Jesus Christ as Son of God who offers “new life” to all.
Signs of God
involves learning about the Church and the Sacraments as signs of God’s active presence in our lives.
Word of God
refers to the meaning of Sacred Scripture as the vehicle of God’s message to all people in all times.
Hours of God
highlights the importance of prayer, devotion, sacred time and sacred space in the lives of all who wish to have a personal relationship with God.
Reign of God
expresses the belief that we are all called to holiness, to transform the world until it is ‘reigned’ by justice, love and peace.
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