The Religious Education Curriculum

In August 2010, Scotland's education system shifted from using the Curriculum known as "5 to 14" to that called "A Curriculum For Excellence", promoting a range of new principles and techniques embedded in all aspects of Education, from Nursery to upper Secondary (3 to 18).

Religious Education in Roman Catholic Schools reflects this change.  For full details of the "Experiences and Outcomes" published for Religious Education click here.

Echoing the structure of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, religious education is presented as a process of exploration, experience and discovery of Faith Professed (Creed), Faith Celebrated (Liturgy & Sacraments), Faith Lived (Moral Life) and Faith Prayed (Prayer).  This is organised under eight headings called "Strands of Faith":

Mystery of God

Revealed Truth of God

In the Image of God

Son of God

Word of God

Signs of God

Hours of God

Reign of God

"This Is Our Faith"

Guidance for schools and teachers is being issued under the direction of the Catholic Education Commission through the Scottish Catholic Education Service (SCES) entitled "This Is Our Faith" (click here for more). This document - which is available in draft form only - is currently subject to approval and amendment by the Holy See.

The document contains four main sections plus additional notes:

Additionally, the guidance includes a Prayer Grid, listing the prayers to be learned at key stages,

a Glossary of theological and technical terms and Notes on specific issues in religious education

A summary leaflet is available here.

The Sacraments
In the Archdiocese of Glasgow children receive First Reconciliation during Lent of Primary 3, followed by Confirmation around October/November of Primary 4 and finally First Eucharist around Easter of Primary 4.

Reconciliation   -    Confirmation  -   Eucharist

As well as the sacramental preparation which children receive within their Religious Education lessons in school, using ALIVE-O, This Is Our Faith and material written in the RE Department, we also produce materials to be used at home and in the parish to supplement these. 

These books - one for each of the Sacraments the children will celebrate - include activities based on the school lessons, notes to help parents follow what their children are learning, and opportunities for child and parent to pray together.

Schools can download an order form by clicking here

A DVD ("ALIVE-O 1-7") is available which gives an overview of the ALIVE-O programme and the principles behind it.

Baptism

We have developed a workbook for young children who are going to be baptised.  This Family Workbook is suitable for use with children of approximately 5-8 years of age. It explores what happens at Baptism and explains the signs and symbols of the Sacrament in an age-appropriate way.

The workbook is designed for parents and children to use together, either at home or as part of a parish group. Children of seven and over could use the book, with their parents, as part of the RCIC process.

The workbook offers parents the opportunity to be fully involved in their children’s preparation to receive the Sacrament. It contains five sessions, one of which is to be completed after Baptism. Parishes may order copies of this book by by phoning the RE Department on 0141 226 5898. Alternatively you can e-mail an order to RE@rcag.org.uk  (£3 each)

'I also recommend that, in their catechetical training, and especially in their preparation for First Holy Communion, children be taught the meaning and the beauty of spending time with Jesus, and helped to cultivate a sense of awe before his presence in the Eucharist.’ (Pope Benedict XVI – Sacramentum Caritatis: 67)

We have created a Prayer Service that can be used by Primary 4 children being prepared to receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist for the first time.  This can be downloaded here.