In-service Course for R.E. Teachers

"For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.  You will understand righteousness and justice and equity, for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleaseant to your souls."  Prov 2:6, 9-10

Supporting teachers as they explore and understand This Is Our Faith (TIOF).

Outline content: Time to explore the 4 sections of This Is Our Faith at an adult level.  Opportunity to consider how section 4 will support and enhance teacher knowledge, understanding and confidence within Religious Education.  Consideration of how to approach and integrate the principles and practices of Curriculum for Excellence into the learning experiences of pupils within R.E.

Participants:  all teachers of the extended teaching team within the Religious Education department in Catholic secondary schools. 

Preparation: It would be helpful if all teachers could have a copy of TIOF.

Diocesan Business Meetings For Principal Teachers of R.E.

“But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.” 2 Chron 15:7 

Outline content:  Opportunity for Principal Teachers of Religious Education to meet in an atmosphere of support and partnership to discuss, share and support each other throughout the academic and liturgical year.

Participants:  Principal teachers of Religious Education, or a nominated replacement. 

Preparation:  Could items for the agenda be sent one week before each meeting please.

National Day of Prayer and Personal Development for R.E. Teachers

“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Jn 13:35

Outline content:  A day of prayer, dialogue and workshops which aim to offer staff a professional development opportunity which has a personal impact, while also enhancing classroom practice.

Participants:  All teachers of Religious Education in Catholic secondary schools.  

“To whom will he teach knowledge, and to whom will he explain the message?”  Is 28:9  

Outline content: This course is being run over two days.  After an initial input on planning approaches and practical ways to sequence and connect core learning, this in-service will then offer staff the opportunity to share good practice and develop resources to assist the integration of TIOF into department planning and practice.

This opportunity will be ideal for staff and departments with limited resources and time.  By sharing the development work, new and innovative resources and approaches can be developed to enhance and refresh existing materials within schools.  The focus for planning for 2011/2012 will be S2.

Participants:  All teachers of Religious Education in Catholic secondary schools.  

Preparation:  After the first meeting staff will share preparation and development tasks for a subsequent meeting. 

In- Service Courses for Chaplaincy Teams, SMT and Teachers

And when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 1 Corinthians 11: 24-26

PREPARING TO CELEBRATE MASS

We would like to invite schools to have 2 people to attend this in-service so that they can consider, discuss and plan future school liturgies.

Outline content:  As the new translation of the Missal begins to be used within parishes and schools this in-service offers an opportunity for Chaplaincy teams and R.E. teachers to spend time with the Archdiocesan Director of Pastoral Liturgy, Fr. David Wallace, re-discovering the important aspects of the mass and considering how to prepare meaningful liturgies for pupils. Time will also be spent reflecting on how pupils will learn about and through the Mass by exploring key aspects of core learning from  “This Is Our Faith”.  Staff will also have the opportunity to explore “Becoming One Body One Spirit In Christ”, the DVD being used within parishes to explore and explain the new translation of the Missal.  A free copy of the DVD will be issued to each school attending the in-service.

Participants:  All members of chaplaincy teams, SMT and the extended R.E. department

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you."  Ps 32:8

Exploring current guidance on the planning of assessment within Curriculum for Excellence.

Outline content: Overview and exploration of current guidance based on the NAR development process for assessment and reporting for RERC.

Participants:  All teachers of Religious Education in Catholic secondary schools.