• Mr. Michael McGowan (Head of Department)
• Mr. Dominic O’Hara
• Mrs. Carol McCrory
• Mr. Colum O’Kane
• Mrs. Sonya Darcy

In Years 8, 9 and 10 pupils follow the Fully Alive Programme

Year 8

Some of the Topics we cover in Year 8:

• The Bible – Old Testament and New Testament Stories; in particular we study the gospel of Mark.
• The sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation
• Palestine at the Time of Jesus
• Famous Stories (Parables) told by Jesus.
• The Mass and why it is important for Catholics
• Parish life and how we can serve God and others.

Year 9

Some of the Topics we cover in Year 9:

• Understanding the Universe and Caring for the Earth
• The Ten Commandments and how they can help us live better lives
• The Orthodox church
• We learn about different Protestant Churches and how we can build better relationships between Catholics and Protestants
• We study the Gospel of Luke
• We learn about Jewish Religion

Year 10

Some of the Topics we cover in Year 10:

• Knowing and Accepting Myself
• The importance of Friendship
• Prejudice and Stereotyping
• Justice and Human Rights
• The Religion of Islam
• The Life and Message of St Paul
• How Christianity came to Ireland

How will I be assessed in Years 8, 9 and 10?

You will have an exam at the end of each Term.

All Pupils study GCSE RE

Religious Studies New GCSE Specification

Religious Studies is studied over two years beginning in Year 11 and continuing right through to Year 12. Students will sit one exam at the end of Year 11 and the second exam at the end of Year 12.

Year 11 First Teaching: September 2017

Unit 2: The Christian Church with a Focus on the Catholic Church

Assessment:

One external written examination in May/June 2018

Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Weighting 50% of overall mark

Year 12 First Teaching: September 2018

Unit 6: An Introduction to Christian Ethics

Assessment:

One external written examination in May/June 2019

Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Weighting 50% of overall mark

Click here for GCSE Revision Notes

Retreat

Pupils will have a one day Retreat in Term 2 of Year 12

Key Stage 5

The A Level Course

Pupils study two topics at AS and A2 Level:

Religious Studies GCE Specification

Year 13 (First Teaching September 2016)

AS 1: An Introduction to the Gospel of Luke

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

Assessment

Two 1 hour 20 minute external written examinations

Students answer one from two questions in Section A and one question from two questions in Section B.

Each paper is worth 50% of AS and 20% of A level

Year 14 (First Teaching September 2017)

A2 1: Themes in the Synoptic Gospels

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

Assessment

Two 2 hour external written examinations

Students answer two from three questions in Section A and the compulsory synoptic question in Section B.

Each paper is worth 50% of A2 and 30% of A level

All Key Stage 5 Pupils take part in the General RE Programme

Year 13

A number of speakers are invited to speak to pupils about religious, social and personal development issues.

Year 13 Pupils are involved in the Youth Philanthropy Initiative (YPI):

This involves pupils researching the work of a local charity and making a presentation in the school to their peers, members of the charities and members of the YPI.

The winning presentation earns the nominated charity £3,000 (This money comes form YPI).

In 2015 The Omagh Order of Malta were presented with a cheque for £3,000

In 2016 The Slate Charity were presented with a cheque for £3,000

Retreat

Pupils have a one day Retreat in Term 2 of Year 13

Year 14

Pupils take part in a Programme that deals with issues like: Faith Development, Self-Esteem and Making Moral Decisions and Stress Management. Pupils have a specialised teacher in each of these areas for a six week Period.

Retreat

Pupils have a one day Retreat in Term 1 of Year 14

The Retreat takes place in Ards Monastery Co.Donegal.