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Church Altar

Religious Education

Welcome To The
Relgious Education Department

WHAT IS RELIGIOUS EDUCATION?

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At St Louis, Kilkeel, Religious Education is more than just a subject, it is a cornerstone of our core curriculum. We are dedicated to meeting our students exactly where they are, providing a supportive environment for every stage of their individual faith journey.


The teachings of Christ serve as the foundation for every aspect of school life. This spiritual framework is woven directly into our Religious Studies programme, ensuring that our students grow in both knowledge and character.


We believe that every pupil has the power to reach their full potential. Our community is driven by our school motto, “Ut Sint Unum” (That they may be one), fostering a sense of unity, belonging, and mutual respect among all our students.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION STAFF

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Mrs Sarah Jayne Morris – HOD
Mrs Seona Mc Cann
Mr James Reilly
Miss Lee-Ann Mc Veigh
Miss Laura Grant
Mr Oliver Sloan
Miss Karen Clarke

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION & FAITH FORMATION

The academic and catechetical Religious Education program at St Louis is centred on the holistic growth of every student. We provide a supportive environment where young people can explore their spiritual and moral identities, learning to recognise and reflect on the experience of God in their lives.
 

This commitment to Faith Development extends beyond the classroom into tangible acts of kindness. Our students embrace the call to service through numerous charitable endeavours, most notably our support for the St Vincent de Paul Appeal and Trócaire.
 

Liturgical celebrations are central to the rhythm of our school year. From the excitement of start of term masses and Christmas Carol Services to the solemnity of Lenten Reflections and November Remembrance services, we walk the liturgical calendar together. Special milestones are also marked with faith, including the Year 8 Welcome Service, Mass of Blessing for Year 12 Examinations and the Year 14 Leavers’ Mass.

KEY STAGE 3

In Key Stage 3, all pupils are taught Religious Education, Key Stage 3 students follow our own bespoke units of work especially commissioned to suit the needs of the Revised Curriculum, Diocesan guidelines and the Fully Alive programme of work. All feasts and festivals throughout the liturgical year are celebrated and bespoke lessons are created to mark each festival.

KEY STAGE 4

In Key Stage 4, students study Religious Studies for GCSE, following the CCEA Specification which includes a Study of The Christian Church with a Focus on the Catholic Church and a Study of Christian Ethics.

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Unit 2a: The Christian Church with a focus on the Catholic Church
This includes topics such as:

  • The Birth, Development and Beliefs of the Church

  • Key Leadership Roles

  • Christian Worship and Festivals and Sacraments

  • Church Architecture and Furniture

  • The Role of the Church in Contemporary Society


Unit 6: An introduction to Christian Ethics
This includes topics such as:

  • Personal and Family Issues

  • Matters of Life and Death

  • Development in Bioethics

  • Contemporary Issues in Christianity

  • Modern Warfare


Each unit accounts for 50% of the total Full Course marks.


Candidates take TWO written papers – 1 hr 30 minutes each


For those on the Gold Pathway, pupils will complete OCN NI Level 2 Certificate in Religious Studies which is a coursework-based equivalency to GCSE RE Grade C.


Units include;

  • Addiction

  • Charity and Religious Charities

  • Exploring Personal Identity and Faith

  • Exploring Religious Traditions within Own Community

  • Life and Death Issues

  • The Life of a Famous Person of Faith

  • Marriage and Divorce

  • Prejudice and Reconciliation

  • World Religions

KEY STAGE 5

A Level Religious Studies (Optional Subject) Exam Board: CCEA


Why study Religious Studies?

 

Religion is a powerful force that influences culture, politics, and individual thought. By studying this subject, you will gain a deep understanding of how spirituality shapes our society. It is a highly respected A Level that develops marketable skills, including:

 

  • Critical Thinking: Analytical reasoning, strategic thinking, and critical evaluation.

  • Conflict Resolution: The ability to understand opposing viewpoints and negotiate.

  • Communication: Research skills and the ability to handle abstract concepts.

  • Empathy: An appreciation for human diversity and differing belief systems.


Career Pathways

 

These skills are highly transferable and particularly valued in Law, Education, Social Work, Politics, Medicine, Administration, and Media.
 

Course Content

 

We follow the CCEA specification. Assessment is 100% examination based (no coursework).

 

  • Unit AS/A2 7: Foundations of Ethics, Medical Ethics, and Global Ethics.

  • Unit AS/A2 5: The Celtic Church in Ireland (5th–7th Centuries) and themes in the Reformation and Post-Reformation Church.


Is this course for you?

 

This subject is ideal for students who possess an enquiring mind, enjoy lively debate, and prefer independent research over simply being told the answers.
 

Careers with Religious Studies

 

The skills gained in AS/A2 Religious Studies act as a gateway to a wide range of professions, including:

  • Law: Solicitor, Barrister, Legal Executive.

  • Healthcare: Doctor, Nurse, Paramedic (specifically regarding Medical Ethics).

  • Media: Journalist, Editor, TV Researcher, Presenter.

  • Public Services: Police Officer, Civil Servant, Social Worker, Politician.

  • Education: Primary/Secondary Teacher, Lecturer, Youth Worker.

  • Charity Sector: Aid Worker, Fundraiser, Human Rights Advocate.


Post-16 Faith Development (All Students)

 

All Post-16 students participate in the ‘Cephas’ programme, a Faith Development initiative by the Down and Connor Diocese. Delivered by specialist Religious Studies teachers, this programme supports students in their journey as
young Christian adults. It offers a space to explore critical life issues, including self-esteem, addiction, relationships, and community responsibility.

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