St Edward's | Religion

As part of the Christian Brothers' Independent Schools system, St Edward's embraces the deepest Catholic principles and Christian values. These principles have their foundation on the Gospel teachings of Jesus Christ as presented by the Catholic Church.

The College also takes its direction from the spirit and charism of the Founder of the Christian Brothers - Blessed Edmund Ignatius Rice.

Structure

At St Edward’s College all students are required to study Religious Education. In the senior school students have a choice to study either the 1 Unit Board Developed Course - Studies of Religion, or the school based 1 Unit Content Endorsed Course - Religious Education. Years 7- 10 study Religion for three periods per week. Years 11 and 12 study Religion for two periods per week.

Rationale

The Religious Education program at St Edward‘s provides for a study of Religion in our contemporary culture. This study of Religions and religious issues provide students with opportunities for clarifying their own beliefs and values. It aims at helping students acquire knowledge, understanding and affective appreciation of the Christian religious tradition in the context of the modern world.

Content

The essence of the Catholic faith teaches its followers to love God and love your neighbour as you love yourself. At St Edward’s College special emphasis is placed upon areas of study that are of particular relevance to developing adolescents. Therefore our RE program contains units of study which enable our students to learn about their own self-esteem, personal growth and development, eg The Gospel Today, Being a Catholic, Reverence for Life, Conscience and Decision Making. We have units of study which deal directly and indirectly with Aboriginal and Multi-cultural issues in Australia, eg Aboriginal Spirituality, Social Justice, The Sacraments of Forgiveness and healing ( Reconciliation), Catholic Church in Australia. We also teach our students about other cultures throughout the world by studying other World Religions.

Spiritual Life

Opportunities for students to develop their Faith and the practice of it, are provided not only by regular classroom religious instruction but also by formal and informal Liturgical celebrations. These celebrations are provided by the teachers of the College and the Priests of the Central Coast. The Spiritual Life of any Catholic College should have it's beginnings in each home: St Edward's is no exception.

On a regular basis throughout the Year, the celebration of the Eucharist - the central action of our Catholic Faith - is provided for the whole school community. Days of Reflection and/or Retreat experiences are provided for all students at least once a year.

With the Spiritual Life being the central focus of the daily life of the College, it is an expectation that all students who seek enrolment at St Edward's College, enter into Religious Education in a positive manner and participate fully in its celebrations when these occasions occur.

Courses

Stage 4	Stage 5	Stage 6
Year 7 Religion	Year 9 Religion	Catholic Studies
Year 8 Religion	Year 10 Religion	Studies of Religion

Religious Education Program Overview

Stage 4

Year 7	Year 8
Initiation and Belonging Who is Edmund Rice? Finding My Way Around the Bible Images of God You will be My People Family Life as a Jew Advent and Christmas	Jesus of Nazareth The Early Church Sacraments of Initiation The Mass Relating Being a Catholic Women of Christianity Meditation and Prayer

Stage 5

Year 9	Year 10
The Challenge of Discipleship - Values Sacrament of Forgiveness & Healing Crusades, Monasticism & the Reformation Mark’s Gospel Prophets – Biblical and Contemporary Catholics in Australia	Social Justice Major World Religions Reverence for Life - Relationships Catholic Beliefs and Practices Catholic Ethical Teaching - The Beatitudes Contemporary Ministry - The Church in Action

Stage 6

Year 11 Studies of Religion	Year 12 Studies of Religion
The Nature of Religion Judaism Christianity	Religion and Belief Systems in Australia Post 1945 Christianity Judaism
Year 11 Catholic Studies	Year 12 Catholic Studies
The Search for Meaning Church History - Christianity Aboriginal Spirituality	Conscience and Decision Making Death and Dying Experiences of Prayer The Church in the Modern World