Religious Education Mr Jarrad Quartermaine Head of Religious Education In his Apostolic Exhortation, Pope Francis described Evangelii Gaudium, the joy of the Gospel and its transforming power: “Yet the drive to go forth and give, to go out from ourselves, to keep pressing forward in our sowing of the good seed, remains ever present.” It is with great pleasure that I share the many experiences and opportunities students have had during 2015 in Religious Education. The College Religious Education seeks to provide rich learning opportunities and environments for young people which nurture them to develop a hunger for lifelong learning. Students are able to develop into Christian men who have learnt to serve and be responsible for themselves and others. As a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition, the charism of Blessed Edmund Rice and the Christian Brothers are a source of inspiration for the College community and the Religious Education Department. The values reflected in the educational philosophy of Edmund Rice including presence, compassion and liberation are sources of direction and motivation. The touchstones of Liberating Education, Gospel Spirituality, Inclusive Community and Justice and Solidarity are reflected in the College values and continue to be developed and reflected in Religious Education. The Religious Education program taught in Years 7–12 is that mandated by the Bishops of Western Australia. Students are provided with opportunities to deepen their knowledge of the Catholic tradition and focus on the College vision and mission statements reflected in the maxim of our students to be Men for Others. The Junior School outcomes include: •
discovering God
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drawing on human experience
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knowing Jesus
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living like Jesus
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Catholic practices.
The Religion & Life course completed by Senior School students has a course syllabus from the School Curriculum and Standards Authority. The course explores the interplay between religion, society and individuals. Students examine the nature of religion and an understanding of its place in the world. The changes to the Religion & Life course to ATAR and General have been implemented in 2015 in Year 11 and will be implemented in Year 12 during 2016. This will provide a significant opportunity to continue the development of this course. 156
The Religion & Life course provides a particular emphasis on: •
the human need for God
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finding meaning and purpose in life
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Jesus and the Gospel message he proclaims
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Christians share in the work of Jesus
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empowerment through sacrament and prayer
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religious identity and purpose.
The Religious Education program at Trinity College is supported by the expertise and enthusiasm of Mr Ray Kosovich as Middle School Coordinator and complemented by the Campus Ministry program directed by Mr Leo Murray and the Christian Service program under the direction of Mrs Marya Stewart. The ministry team’s dedication and commitment to the students are a distinctive element of the College community and Christ-centred focus. The responsibility of the ministry team provides opportunities for students to assist them to learn how to live a Gospel-inspired life. I thank all the staff who have contributed and supported the Religious Education Department this year. Their professionalism, creativity and commitment is truly inspiring and contributes towards the effective operation of the department. The teachers at Trinity College are truly committed to the students in their care. Mr Jarrad Quartermaine Head of Religious Education
