Religious Education

Staffing of the department

Ms Cushnahan – Head of Department / Associate Assistant Head
Ms Sadler – Teacher of RE
Mr Emuze – Teacher of RE
Ms O’Donnell – Teacher of RE

Since God has loved us so much, we too should love one another’
John 1:4

Educational philosophy/Aims of the curriculum

At St Ursula’s, Religious Education is “the core of the curriculum”. As a Catholic School it is our mission to educate the whole person since “Religious Education” is concerned not only with intellectual knowledge but also includes emotional and effective learning. Through RE lessons students will develop a deeper knowledge, understanding and love of the Word of God as revealed in Scriptures and the teaching of the Church.

Religious education is important because it provides a particular set of materials through which pupils come to understand important concepts about the world and themselves. The subject covers ideas and practices which have shaped and continue to shape our society. It is the study of sacred texts, practices, literatures, stories and art which bind different religious communities together. Without religious education, pupils would be deprived of an essential element of their formation and personal development, which helps them attain a vital harmony between faith and culture.

Our aim is to support our students to be religiously literate young women, able to engage in a modern multicultural society where issues of religious understanding and tolerance are more important than ever.

Click here for the Catholic Education Service’s Religious Education Curriculum Directory

Ursuline Core Values

As Ursulines we continue the approach to ministry which draws its life and vision from St Angela’s spirit and philosophy. Inspired by the call of the same Gospel, and challenged by the needs of our time, we, like Angela, ground our mission in the following core values:

Spiritual formation and faith development
Respect for the uniqueness of the individual
Development of the whole person
Development of a nurturing community spirit
Commitment to peace-making
Serviam (I will serve) as a lived reality
Development of leadership skills for every individual

A hallmark of an Ursuline school is academic excellence and a shared vision and profile.

KS3 curriculum of study

As a Catholic School, RE is compulsory for all students. We currently follow a tailor made curriculum at KS3 to best meet the needs of our students and the requirements laid down by the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales.

Year 7	Curriculum content covered
Term 1	United in harmony – Our Ursuline Story The Church as the people of God
Term 2	The roots of our faith The Birth of the Church
Term 3	The Sacraments Islam
Year 8	Curriculum content covered
Term 1	Creation Being a person of faith in our modern world – Hinduism
Term 2	The Church in Britain The Paschal Mystery
Term 3	Morality and conscience
Year 9	Curriculum content covered
Term 1	Jewish Beliefs and Teachings
Term 2	Jewish Practices and festivals
Term 3	GCSE AQA Religious Studies B – Creation