From the pupil’s first day at school RE gives students valuable insights into the diverse beliefs & opinions held by people today. ... it helps with their own personal development and supports an understanding of the spiritual, moral, social & cultural questions that surface again & again in their lives.

Key Stage 3

Religious Education gives pupils opportunities to develop their personal understanding and enhance their spiritual and ethical awareness. The Key Stage 3 curriculum aims to develop an awareness, knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the key Christian teachings about God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit), about Jesus Christ, and about the Bible. In RE we also aim to develop an ability to interpret and relate the Bible to life; fostering a growing awareness of the meaning of belonging to a Christian tradition in our students. We also develop the student’s ability to relate Christian moral principles to personal and social life.  

GCSE

We follow the CCEA GCSE Religious Studies specification which encourages students to develop an enquiring, critical and reflective approach. This offers students opportunities to build on the skills and capabilities developed through the delivery of RE at Key Stage 3. In RE student’s study five themes in the life and ministry of Jesus, as portrayed in Mark’s Gospel. They consider these passages both within the religious, political, social and cultural context of Jesus’ time, and in terms of how they influence contemporary Christian lifestyle in all its diversity. Students are also introduced to ethics in the study of religion, exploring many relevant and topical issues. They learn to reflect on, and respond personally to, fundamental questions. Thus students are developing their interest in and enthusiasm for the study of religion, and their ability to relate it to the wider world. 

A Level

Students study the CCEA GCE Religious Studies specification. This specification builds on learning from Key Stage 4 and gives students opportunities to continue to develop key skills such as critical thinking. Students explore the content of the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, and they learn about the religious and political situation in Palestine at the time of Jesus. They also learn about key events in the ministry of Jesus. They explore the origins, development and nature of the Celtic Church in Ireland, from its pagan roots, explore the various debates on the arrival of Christianity in Ireland and focus on the mission and writings of Patrick. Students also explore the relationship between their course and other aspects of human experience, gaining valuable skills as they do so. 

Studying RE at A2 level will stretch and challenge students and it also provides a sound foundation for higher education and a range of careers. It helps students develop a sense of social responsibility, and also strong intellectual and practical skills that span all major fields of study, such as communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills. 

Extra-curricular

Our pupils can join the Senior Liturgy Prefect Team, or the Folk Group which sings at key liturgical events throughout the school year. 

Where to next?

Our A2 students have studied a huge variety of courses at university, including Biomedical Engineering, Financial Technology, Law, Psychology, Geography, Business Economics, Human Resource Management, Renewable Energy Engineering, Civil Engineering, Teaching and Marketing.