Religious Education Policy

The aim of Religious Education is to foster and deepen the children’s faith.

Introductory Statement

This policy was formulated by the Board of Management in conjunction with the teaching staff and the Parents’ Association

Relationship between Religious Education and School Ethos

Religious Education is delivered taking into account the Schedule for the Catholic School and the Mission Statement as displayed in the school Entrance Area.

The Aim of our Religious Education Policy

To outline our means of fostering and deepening the children’s faith in the context of the school community, the Parish and the family being mindful of the individual ability, social ethnic and cultural background of each child.

General Information

Scoil Bhríde is a Catholic school under the patronage of the Archbishop of Dublin and is situated in the parish of Holy Trinity, Donaghmede. The Parish Priest of Holy Trinity is responsible for the chaplaincy arrangements in Scoil Bhíde.

Resources

  • The Alive-O programme  and ancillary materials are used in all classes
  • Children’s Bible

Symbols

In our Entrance Area we have a Sacred Space/Altar. The display is changed regularly: Holy Souls in November, Advent in December, St. Brigid in February, St. Patrick in March, Easter, May the month of Mary and June the month of the Sacred Heart.

Sacred Space

There is a Sacred Space in each classroom which changes in accordance with the Liturgical Year and also reflects the children’s work on current themes in Alive-O

Doctrine

In conformity with the Alive-O programme questions and answers, as appropriate, are memorised by 1st and 2nd Class children

Sacramental Preparation

General

Parents are given information regarding the teaching of Religion at the Junior Infant meeting before their children start school. They are encouraged to take their children to Mass regularly. The Do This in Memory Programme is used for First Eucharist. Parents are encouraged to keep all material preparations for First Eucharist simple and there is an emphasis on Parish and Family based celebration.

Sacrament of First Penance

  • The term First Penance is used throughout the school.
  • Parents are informed that the programme is a two year course, beginning in 1st Class, at the initial meeting for Junior Infant Parents.
  • The Prayers of Forgiveness are taught in 2nd Class
  • The children learn Rite 1 of the Sacrament of Penance.

Sacrament of First Eucharist

  • Parents are informed that the programme is a two year course, beginning in 1st Class, at the initial meeting for Junior Infant Parents.
  • The values emphasised for First Eucharist are the children’s love for God and others, sharing and celebrating with the Parish Community and taking responsibility for their own faith
  • We begin to teach the prayers/responses of the Mass in1st Class

Implementation of Religious Education throughout the School Year

  •  The time Religion is taught throughout the school is dependent on the class.
  • Each member of staff is expected to have a  Certificate in Religious Studies
  • Religious Education and Ethos permeates the entire school day
  • Morning prayers, grace before and after meals and evening prayers are recited during the day
  • Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be to the Father are also taught
  • Children are taught the ritual format of the Mass through rote learning and attendance at Mass. In 2nd Class, as preparation for First Eucharist, the children attend Mass on the first Friday of every month.
  • Lá Fheíle Bhríde is celebrated every year as St.Brigid is the Patron Saint of our school. Children from Senior Infants to 2nd Class attend Mass. The children are involved in the liturgy and the Offering of the Gifts. Other celebrations, such as Lá Fheíle Pádraig, are celebrated in the classroom and by changing the display of Sacred Spaces.
  • Teachers of Sacramental Classes are supported by the Parish Team, the Principal and other colleagues.
  • We welcome our Chaplain whenever he is available to visit
  • We develop missionary awareness through collecting for a charity every term e.g.CRC in the first term, Trocaire in the second term and Barnardos in the third term. Teachers discuss the concept of charity with the children
  • The idea of social justice is highlighted through story and discussion
  • Staff and Board of Management are invited to an annual archdiocesan Mass for the opening of the school year.

Partners in Religious Education

Home/School
Parents are informed of what is expected of them in relation to their children’s Religious Education at the initial Junior Infant meeting. They are encouraged to take their children to Mass regularly and to say daily prayers with them. Information sheets from Alive-O are sent home as appropriate. Parents are encouraged to become actively involved in the Do this In Memory programme for the children’s First Eucharist.

School/Parish
The Do This In Memory programme is implemented in the parish for First Eucharist. A meeting is held early in the first term in Holy Trinity Church for the parents of First Eucharist Children. Parents are asked to volunteer to be part of a Committee to organise Preparation Masses. Each Parish school is allocated dates for a Mass at which the pupils will read. The schools prepare the children to read and take part in the Mass. Children and their parents are encouraged and reminded to attend these Masses. Teachers are not required to attend.

Pupils of other Religious Traditions
As part of the school enrolment process parents of prospective pupils are made aware of the school’s status as a Catholic school and of the school’s policy on Religion and Religious Education. Where pupils of other religious faiths or traditions or children of no religious faith are enrolling in the school, they do so in accordance with the requirement of this policy. While the school respects all religious faith and traditions it does not provide religious education other than in the Catholic faith. Arrangements for those of other traditions should be discussed in the first instance with the school Principal.

Roles and Responsibilities
Religion and the Religious Education Policy will be discussed annually at Staff Meetings. The Policy will be compiled and reviewed during Staff Meeting times under the direction of the Religious Education Coordinator and recommendations made, where appropriate, with the Board of Management.

Review
The Religious Education Policy will be evaluated and deemed to be successful if

  • There is an acknowledged sense of God, faith, prayer and worship within the school community
  • There is a respect for all within the school community
  • There is parental interest in religious education
  • There is a recognisable links between home, school and parish
  • There is an outward-looking care for the less fortunate in our society

This policy was ratified by the Board of Management in June 2014