The Two Dimensions of Religious Education
Religious Education at Saint Matthew’s is understood through two distinct yet complementary dimensions.
The first dimension, most commonly referred to as the classroom teaching of religion, focuses on Religious Education as a rigorous educational activity. The second dimension, faith formation, is reflected in the Religious Life of the School, in partnership with families and the parish. These two dimensions are inextricably linked, each enriching and supporting the other.
Teaching Religion
The Brisbane Catholic Education Religious Education Syllabus and Curriculum documents provide a strong foundation for the development of religious literacy at Saint Matthew’s. As with other key learning areas, Religious Education follows an achievement-standards approach, where teachers utilise a range of pedagogical strategies, resources, and assessment practices to ensure high-quality teaching and learning.
The Religion Curriculum is structured around four interrelated strands, which are taught in an integrated and contextualised manner, responsive to the learning needs of each class:
1. Sacred Texts
2. Beliefs
3. Church
4. Christian Life
Together, these strands support students in developing knowledge, understanding, and skills that enable them to engage meaningfully with Catholic faith and tradition.
Structure of the Religion Curriculum (PDF 472.3KB)
Faith Formation: The Religious Life of the School
|
Faith formation is expressed through the Religious Life of the School, which comprises four interrelated components:
1. Religious Identity and Culture
2. Evangelisation and Faith Formation
3. Prayer and Worship
4. Social Action and Justice
Each of these components, while mutually reinforcing, provides a significant focus on a distinctive aspect of school life. Collectively, they complement and extend the teaching of religion
within the classroom, ensuring that faith is lived, experienced, and celebrated across the whole school community.
Each component is further sub-divided into three elements, which guide planning, practice, and reflection within the Religious Life of the School.
In partnership with our Parish, we gather regularly for to celebrate in the church. All families are invited to join in these moments of prayer. Preparation for students to receive the Sacraments of Initiation is co-ordinated by the parish and students are supported in their preparation by the school.
St Matthew’s Parish Website https://stmatthewsloganholme.com.au/
Image © Brisbane Catholic Education (2023)