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Religious Education

Teaching Staff:

  • Miss L. Hegarty (HoD)

  • Mrs. N. McFeeley

The Religious Studies Department sees its role as being essential to the spiritual and moral development of our pupils. Through studying religion and discussing the various issues which arise out of this, pupils have an opportunity to understand more of the culture in which they find themselves. The Religious Studies Department endeavours to create a positive environment where pupils can reflect upon their own attitudes and beliefs, as well as developing an awareness of the values of others.

 

Ks3 Topics
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At Key Stage 3, pupils study the following:

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YEAR 8

God and the Bible

God’s Covenant with Abraham

Life at the Time of Jesus 

 

YEAR 9

God’s Covenant with Moses

Judaism

The Kingdom of God

 

YEAR 10

The Early Church

Islam

The Passion Narrative

An Introduction to the Gospel of Matthew

GCSE​
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GCSE Religious Education
 

At Key Stage 4, the majority of our pupils will study Units 4 and 6 from the CCEA Religious Studies Specification. Each of these modules will contribute 50% to the final Full Course GCSE Grade. The pupils enjoy the variety of aspects studied within the GCSE course. This, along with resources tailored to suit the needs of the students, has resulted in a record of high academic achievement within the department.
 

​Unit 4:  Christianity through a Study of the Gospel of Matthew (Year 11)
 

  1. The Identity of Jesus

  2. Jesus the Miracle Worker

  3. The Kingdom of God

  4. The Death and Resurrection of Jesus

  5. Discipleship
     

Unit 6: An Introduction to Christian Ethics (Year 12)
 

  1. Personal and Family Issues

  2. Matters of Life and Death

  3. Bioethics

  4. Contemporary Issues in Christianity

  5. Modern Warfare

 

OCN Religious Studies NI – Level 2 Certificate
 

Some of our pupils will complete the OCN Religious Studies NI, Level 2 Certificate. This course is suited to learners who wish to develop a knowledge and understanding in Religious Studies, enabling them to make sense of religious choices people make in today’s society.  It is intended that learners will develop empathy, respect and an awareness of other religious beliefs and cultural diversity. Throughout the course, pupils will cover the following:
 

Unit 1:     Addiction

Unit 2:     Charity and Religious Charities

Unit 3:     Exploring Personal Identity and Faith

Unit 4:     Exploring Religious Traditions within Own Community

Unit 5:     Life and Death Issues

Unit 6:     Life of a Famous Person of Faith

Unit 7:     Marriage and Divorce

Unit 8:     Prejudice and Reconciliation

Unit 9:     World Faith


There is no written exam for this course. Rather, all units are assessed via continuous assessment, based on a portfolio of evidence:
 

  •  Task-based controlled assessment

  •  Written assignments

  •  Oral presentations
     

The classroom teacher monitors and assesses work throughout the year. However, an external moderator, from OCN, will then carry out further assessment.
 

POST 16 STUDY

 

A Level Religious Studies

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This is a popular A Level course, open to all pupils of any religious persuasion or none. Religion, obviously, plays an important role in many different cultures today. Through this course, pupils will develop a knowledge and understanding of different beliefs and practices. They will also have the opportunity to discuss, debate and critically evaluate contemporary religious ideas.

Pupils will study the A Level course according to CCEA’s Specification, and classes are taught collaboratively with Cross and Passion College. The course is divided into four units:

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  • Two units at AS Level (40%)

  • Two units at A2 Level (60%)

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AS Religious Studies:  

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Unit AS 1: An Introduction to the Gospel of Luke


Pupils will study and explore:

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  1. How and why the Gospel was written

  2. The religious and political situation in Palestine at the time of Jesus

  3. Key events in the ministry of Jesus; Infancy Narrative and early ministry

  4. The parables and miracles of Jesus

  5. The themes of discipleship and Salvation History in the Gospel

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Unit AS 5: The Celtic Church in Ireland in the Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Centuries

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Pupils will study and explore:

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  1. The origins, development and nature of the Celtic Church in Ireland

  2. The debates surrounding the arrival of Christianity in Ireland

  3. The missions and writings of Patrick

  4. The origins and development of Celtic Monasticism

  5. Content and features of key texts

 

Pupils will explore the relationship between the Gospel of Luke, and the Celtic Church in Ireland, and other aspects of human experience.

 

A2 Religious Studies:  

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Unit A2 1: Themes in the Synoptic Gospels

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Pupils will study and explore:

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  1. The synoptic problem

  2. The person of Jesus in the Synoptic Gospels

  3. The ethical teaching of Jesus

  4. The Passion and Resurrection Narratives

  5. Religious texts

 

Unit A2 5: Themes in the Celtic Church, Reformation and Post-Reformation Church

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Pupils will study and explore:

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  1. Celtic and Roman Christianity

  2. Patrick and the authority of Armagh

  3. Missionary outreach

  4. Developments and outreach in Christianity

  5. Relationship between religion and state

 

Synoptic Element: Pupils must draw together knowledge, understanding and skills learned throughout the course to address one specific issue. This assesses the pupil’s ability to make links between the two areas of study, other aspects of human experience and the set theme.

CAREER PATHWAYS
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Wide range of opportunities for further and higher education:

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  • Arts and Humanities

  • Social Sciences

  • Law

  • Teaching

  • Ministry

 

Interesting and rewarding careers, working with people:

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  • Social work

  • Youth Work

  • Journalism

  • Childcare

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