Religious Education
Religious Education
In the light of faith, educators and students alike come to see each other as beloved children of the God who created us to be brothers and sisters in the one human family. On this basis, Catholic education commits us, among other things, to the building of a better world by teaching mutual coexistence, fraternal solidarity and peace. (Pope Francis, 20 April 2022)
Religious Education is our core business at Newman Catholic College. We strive to build up Catholic students in their faith, equip students to make informed decisions about religion, faith and morals, and engage all members of the community in the enriching gifts of God’s grace through celebration of the seasons and festivals of the Church year.
In years 7-10 we follow a Religious Education curriculum devised by Brisbane Catholic Education and mandated by the Bishop of Cairns for all schools in the diocese. In senior years we will offer a range of options for students to pursue academic study of religion (including comparative religions) and/or more practical ways of living out their faith in leadership, service and social justice.
In all year levels, as well as the topics listed below, Religious Education includes prayer, readings from scripture, meditation, and commemoration of the feasts and festivals of the Church year.
Year 7 Religious Education
Students learn about Saint John Henry Newman, patron saint of our college, and how the college values (Truth, Unity, Wisdom, Compassion and Courage) are related to his life and teaching. They also study sacred texts (The Bible), Christian communities past and present, and begin to explore how life, belief and faith can grow together and strengthen each other.
Year 8 Religious Education
Students study core Christian life, values and witness, and explore fundamental Christian beliefs (The Trinity). They also learn about the message of the great Hebrew Prophets as they apply to Christian belief and the world today, and the teaching and message of the Church in the modern world.
Year 9 Religious Education
Students delve further into studying key Christian beliefs (Incarnation, Resurrection and Ascension). They learn how Catholic social teachings are applied in the life of believers and church agencies, and they explore scriptural texts at a greater depth including forms of textual analysis.
Year 10 Religious Education
In Year 10, students will study the Church in the modern world, with a focus on the Christian mission and works of Social Justice. They will also engage in a unit on Religions of the World, offering the opportunity to explore one or more world religions, including their sacred texts, key teachings, rites of passage, and celebrations. For students continuing on to complete a QCE, this unit will count towards their graduation.
Senior Religion
All students at Catholic Schools are engaged in studying Religion throughout their school career. This continues in the senior years with a variety of options ranging from highly academic studies to more practical applications. It is compulsory for all students at our school to participate in one of the forms of Religious Education.
In years 11 and 12 at Newman Catholic College we plan to offer the following options:
Studies of Religion (A General academic subject which includes both in-school and external exam assessment). This subject counts towards both the QCE and ATAR score.
Religion and Ethics (An applied subject which is assessed internally based on projects, essays and exams). This subject counts towards the QCE and may also count towards the ATAR score if combined with four General subjects.
Certificate 3 in Catholic Youth Ministry and Leadership (A practical subject which involves leadership and participation in church activities within and outside the school). Satisfactory completion of this course and attainment of the certificate may count towards the QCE and ATAR score depending on how it is combined with other subjects.
Catholic Faith in Action (A practical activities-based subject which involves participation in educational, social justice and welfare activities within and outside the school). This subject is not assessed and does not count towards the QCE or ATAR.