As a Catholic College, set in a Benedictine tradition, we respond to the challenge to instil within the students, as modelled by St Benedict; a love of God, a love of Learning, a love of Neighbour.
The 7-12 RE Curriculum is based on the Emmaus Paradigm, derived from the Emmaus story (Luke 24:13-35), where Jesus meets two disciples and walks with them but they do not recognise him.
The four interrelated aspects of the paradigm enable students to:
- Make sense of everyday life in the broader contexts of mystery, complexity, confusion and awe
- Gain access to and understand the Scriptures, the traditions of the Catholic community, it’s stories, experiences and teachings
- Celebrate with others the mystery and life of the Risen Christ
- Respond to God in their lives
The Religious Education Curriculum aims to help students develop a sound knowledge and understanding of the history, traditions, beliefs, and practices of our Catholic faith providing them in turn, with the skills and opportunities to express, contemplate, interpret, analyse, and deepen a personal commitment to that faith.
The classroom Religious Education Curriculum for Years 7–12 is based on an understanding and appreciation of:
- The Scriptures and the message of Jesus Christ
- The living tradition of the Catholic Church
- God and creation, good and evil, meaning in life
- Prayer liturgy and the sacraments
- Catholic moral teaching and working for justice
Students will have the opportunity to express their faith in a variety of ways and in a range of contexts. Regular participation in prayer, reflection and liturgy will take place individually, within classes, at year group level, whole school level, at spirituality/reflection days and at voluntary prayer services in the college chapel.
The college enjoys the interest and support of the priests of the local parishes.
Years 7–10
Religious Education is at the heart of Catholic education. It informs all aspects of school life and contributes to the mission of the Catholic Church in announcing the good news of Jesus Christ.
All students are expected to participate in the religious life of the school. This includes their participation in Religious Education Catholic Studies classes, their study of the curriculum and their use of the To Know, Worship and Love textbook, Understanding Faith and other resources.
Our Religious Education department ensures that religious pedagogy within the school remains of the utmost importance. Our staff are constantly modifying and writing programs, staff implement the revised Stage 4 and 5 curricula and Year 12 curriculum, which has seen in the implementation of the new Stage 6 Syllabus “Studies in Catholic Thought” at the college.
Our dedicated Religious Education staff, who lead the Religious Education curriculum within the classroom, provide space within the curriculum to learn about the Christian faith and to have the opportunity to “Seek Wisdom in Christ”.
Years 11–12
The College offers three Religious Education courses for the HSC:
- Studies of Religion l
- Studies of Religion ll
- Studies in Catholic Thought