As a Catholic school, St. Peter’s Catholic College participates in the life and mission of the Church. The religious development of students is a compulsory part of the curriculum in Stage 6 and the religious education program contributes to the development of the Catholic ethos of the college. Religious Education is a subject in its own right and follows the guidelines set down in the syllabus documents approved by NESA and developed by the Catholic Schools Office. As such, it has measurable outcomes with regard to skills and knowledge, and these are examined and assessed for the HSC. All students are expected to approach the subject seriously and complete all work satisfactorily. A result will appear on the students HSC for all courses.

The Senior R.E. program seeks to challenge students intellectually and to lead them to a deeper understanding of the Catholic story, as well as an appreciation of other Christian denominations and other non-Christian religious traditions. By the end of their senior secondary schooling, all students will have been given opportunities to critically reflect upon life experiences in the light of the teachings and beliefs of the Catholic Church and to view religious belief as an expression of the human experience.

All students are invited to participate in the faith practices that are uniquely characteristic of a Catholic school. This includes class Masses, Reflection days and Retreats. In this way students are given opportunities both formally and informally to enter into relationship with God and become disciples who witness “the good news” in their lives. It is also hoped that through these faith experiences students will develop a high standard of self-worth and self-esteem, as well as an ability to works towards a positive relationship with each other and within the wider community.

In Years 11 and 12 Religious Education choices include the following: 

• Studies in Catholic Thought (1 Unit CEC)

• Studies of Religion I (1 Unit)

• Studies of Religion II (2 Unit)

Students undertaking English Extension would benefit from also selecting the second unit of Studies of Religion to make up the 13 units in their overall pattern.  Students are encouraged to select the course that best serves their needs and most interests them. Each one has its own level of academic rigour and should not be viewed as easier than the others.

The senior Religious Education program also includes the following components:

Liturgy

• Preparation for and participation in whole school liturgies

Retreat

• A three-day compulsory Retreat in Year 11

Community Service

• Participation in community services in homeroom/year group

• Opportunities to attend social justice leadership days

Other

• Participation of selected students in Year 12 to attend the Bishop’s Youth Forum or other associated events. 

Religious Education in the senior curriculum contributes to the holistic development of students and growth of the Christian person.