Religious Education

Back to Subjects

Our aims

Welcome to Religion

Catholic Liturgical Events: The RE department in St Joseph’s integrates a rich programme of liturgical events across each term to support the spiritual life of the school community.

In the first term, the year begins with a staff Mass, followed by junior and senior assemblies, the start of regular morning Mass, and a Year 8 Gideon Bible assembly. Opportunities for the sacrament of reconciliation are provided throughout the year for different year groups, beginning with senior students, alongside a Year 13 pilgrimage to Knock. Advent is marked by dedicated assemblies for both junior and senior pupils.

In the second term, confessions continue with other year groups, and the school celebrates Catholic Schools Week, Ash Wednesday liturgies, and a reflective Stations of the Cross service for juniors. 

In the third term, the cycle of confessions concludes, and a series of special Masses take place, including a Year 10 Mass with the Bishop and end-of-year Masses for senior year groups, as well as a Year 8 Mass celebrated in the local parish church. Throughout the year, these events foster faith development, reflection, and a strong sense of community within the school.

Departmental staff

  • Mrs B Traynor (Head of Department)
  • Mrs A Quinn (Press Officer)
  • Mrs C Landers

Curriculum

St Joseph’s RE department follow The Fully Alive 1, 2, and 3 series. These are the core Religious Education (RE) textbooks and workbooks designed for Key Stage 3 in Catholic post-primary schools across Northern Ireland.

The program provides age-appropriate faith formation and covers the following key features across the three levels:

Fully Alive 1 (Year 8)

  • Foundational Faith: Introduces the Bible, the story of Creation, and the background to the life of Jesus.
  • Christian Seasons: Focuses on the seasons of Advent and Christmas, Jesus' early years and earthly work.
  • The Church: Examines the Resurrection and its aftermath, as well as an introduction to life in the Church today.

Fully Alive 2 (Year 9)

  • Identity and Relationships: Explores themes of self-identity, personal emotions, and the value of friendships with peers.
  • Faith & Society: Focuses on the life of St. Francis of Assisi, responding to the needs of the poor, and living out a life of service.
  • Social Justice: Addresses challenging contemporary issues including prejudice, stereotyping, and discrimination through a Christian lens.

Fully Alive 3 (Year 10)

  • In-depth Morality & Worldview: Expands on the Sacraments, moral teachings, and the Beatitudes.
  • Interfaith Understanding: Explores other Christian denominations and world religions, such as Islam.
  • Prayer & Vocation: Focuses on prayer, exploring God's calling in one's life, and putting faith into action within the local community.
  • Curriculum Compliance: Fully aligns with the Northern Ireland core syllabus for Key Stage 3 Religious Education.
KS4 GCSE Religious Education

Examination Board : CCEA

KS4 Non Exam Religious Education

OCN NI LEVEL 2 CERT IN RELIGIOUS STUDIES

KS5 Religious Education

For both AS and A2 level, students complete two units :

  • Islam
  • Christian Ethics

Students must study two of these units at AS level and then the same two units at A2 level.

Subject Content: RE is divided into four units: two units at AS level and two units at A2.