In 2022 the Religious Education program at Sts Peter and Paul's School completed its 5 year review and received exceptional commendations from the review committee. To read the report,
click here.
Life at Sts Peter and Paul’s School is based on Catholic values and Catholic beliefs about learners and learning. We begin from the premise that we are made in the image and likeness of God, particularly embracing the values of the Good Samaritan charism including compassion, hospitality, welcome, and listening with the ear of the heart. We recognise every person as being a lifelong learner, who is like others in some ways but is unique in other ways. We believe that: Jesus gives meaning to life and learning; every person can learn successfully and opportunities for learning encompass the richly diverse aspects of all life experience.
Religious Education at Sts Peter and Paul’s School follows the Brisbane Catholic Education Curriculum (P-12) (2020) which promotes a Model for Religious Education. Two very important dimensions of a Catholic school are brought together in this model: firstly, the classroom teaching and learning of Religion (the academic subject of Religion), and the teaching of people to be religious in a particular way (the Religious Life of the School).
At Sts Peter and Paul’s School, the subject of Religious Education is taught, drawing on the Catholic Christian tradition in ways that are mindful of local contexts and the ecumenical and multi-faith realities of contemporary culture.
The Religious Life of the School is how the Catholic Faith is lived and experienced each day. This dimension permeates the culture of the school and is evident through the school’s Vision, Mission and Values statement; our physical school surrounds; student involvement in classroom prayer, liturgies and Masses; and the promotion of Social Justice initiatives such as supporting the work of Caritas, Catholic Mission and St Vincent de Paul.
Sts Peter and Paul’s School recognises that the educational dimension and the faith formation dimension of religious education are inextricably linked and both are vital components in ‘educating the whole child – guiding and inspiring them to reach their potential’ (Mission Statement).
Teaching and Learning of Religious Education
The classroom teaching of Religion offers experiences that nurture the faith life of young people and develop their religious literacy so they may participate critically and effectively in the life of their faith communities and the wider society. Brisbane Catholic Education’s Religion Curriculum P-12 (2020) describes core content and scriptures to be taught at each year level that develop ideas and understanding of the Catholic Christian faith in an age-appropriate way.
At least two and a half hours per week is devoted explicitly to the teaching of Religion. Teachers of Religion are accredited to teach the subject, ensuring they have the knowledge, skills and understanding to teach concepts accurately and appropriately to their students. To assist teachers in this vital role we have an Assistant Principal Religious Education appointed. The Assistant Principal Religious Education supports teachers in the planning and delivery of quality teaching, learning and assessment that meet the expectations of the Brisbane Catholic Education's Religion Curriculum.
Students study Religion under the four strands of Sacred Texts, Beliefs, Church and Christian Life. These strands are interrelated and their content is taught in an integrated way.
- In Sacred Texts, students become familiar with the Old and New Testaments, learning to understand the authors and intended audiences of these texts. They are assisted to comprehend how the texts relate to modern day living.
- In Beliefs, students learn the significance of Christian and Catholic beliefs and their relevance to contemporary life.
- In Church, children learn to create and engage in a variety of forms of prayer, liturgy and rituals. In conjunction with the candidates’ families, the Sacramental Program for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Communion is run by the Parish. However, the sacramental program is strongly supported by classroom Religion lessons.
- In Christian Life, students are led to develop moral understanding and reasoning. They are assisted to recognise that the Bible is the Catholic guide to moral living and to acknowledge the importance of prayer and sacraments in the development of moral life.
Of particular interest for Sts Peter and Paul’s students, is the focus on the rich history and tradition of the Good Samaritan Sisters who pioneered our school. We also explore the past in our local area, in particular the role the Parish has, and continues to have, within the school community.
When teaching Religious Education teachers use an inquiry model and pose Fertile Questions for students to explore and answer. This process helps students become more active in the process of learning. Here is a snapshot of what students are learning about in Religious Education:
© Sts Peter and Paul's School Bulimba 2023
and Brisbane Catholic Education