“My schools are founded so that Jesus Christ may be better known and loved.”
Jean Mary de La Mennais
Departmental Information
Mrs K. Thom – Head of Religious Education (Key Stage 3 Manager)
All students attend Religious Education lessons in Year 7 – 10 and have three RE lessons per week. Students at St. Mary’s College often have the opportunity of entering religious and spiritually themed competitions like the Vocations Expo (our students came 1st and 3rd in 2010) and the Catholic Young Writers Award. They also participate in Diocesan lead projects like the Online Lenten Calendar (see below for web address)
Key Stage 3
Students follow the Diocesan Syllabus in Years 7 and 8. This syllabus enables students to explore, in innovative ways, the key elements of Christian beliefs and teachings according to Roman Catholic traditions.
It encourages students to learn from, as well as about, religion through investigation, study and reflection. It explores concepts about Jesus Christ, the human person, the Catholic Church, the Sacraments and the Liturgical Year.
Students also explore Judaism in Year 7 and Islam in Year 8.
There are two formal assessments each year (Years 7 and 8 only). One assessment is at Christmas and one in the summer. These involve an unseen exam and a prepared essay.
Key Stage 4
All students begin their GCSE RE in Year 9 when they study St. Mark’s Gospel (Edexcel Unit 16).
In Year 10 students continue with their GCSE RE studying Religion and Life: Catholic Christianity (Edexcel Unit 3).
Students have the opportunity to sit their St. Mark’s Gospel GCSE examination at the end of Year 9 (June) and then complete their Full Course GCSE in Year 10.
There is an assessment test at the end of each module throughout Years 9 and 10; these tests help students to understand how to improve their own grades and develop their exam technique.
Useful Links:
Diocese Lenten Calendar: http://www.portsmouth-catholic-education.org/lenten_calendar
Vocations Expo 2010: http://www.godknowswhere.org.uk/expo_2010/competition/
Catholic young writer of the year award: http://www.catholicwritersguild.co.uk/index.php
EDEXCEL: http://www.edexcel.com/Pages/Home.aspx
Portsmouth Diocese School Website: http://www.portsmouthdiocese.org.uk/schools/index.php
Key Dates
· Year 9
1. St Mark’s Gospel (Unit 16) GCSE: 16th June
· Year 10
1. Religion and Life: Roman Catholic Christianity (Unit 3) GCSE: 17th May
2. St. Mark’s Gospel (Unit 16) GCSE: 16th June
· Year 7 and 8
1. Exam week begins Monday 13th June.
