CURRICULUM FOR EXCELLENCE: GOOD PRACTICE CONFERENCE
RESPONSE TO LEARNING IN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION IN ROMAN CATHOLIC
SCHOOLS
Crowne Plaza Hotel, Glasgow
Tuesday 1 December 2009
Session 1
11.30 – 12.30
Workshop 1
'Reign of God' - a practical application of Curriculum for Excellence
Jo Hughes, East Dunbartonshire Council
This workshop will focus on the strand of faith “Reign of God” – and highlight some
practical ways of fulfilling Curriculum for Excellence by allowing and encouraging
pupils to put their faith into action. The workshop will draw upon practical experience
- in the RE Department and in the wider life of the school – of how action , charity
and partnership can help our young people to find their place as global citizens and
agents for change. It will also look at how inter-disciplinary learning involving RE can
help to improve attainment whilst giving young people a context in which active
spirituality can be nurtured.
Workshop 2
Active Learning and sharing faith in primary RE
Sharon McGuire, Glasgow City Council
This workshop will illustrate active learning and effective teaching in RE and highlight
the important role of the teacher in developing faith. Approaches to assessment for
learning within an RE context are presented. Participants will discuss how teachers
might reflect on their own spirituality and help take children forward in their journey of
faith. The workshop focuses on key principles of Curriculum for Exellence
Workshop 3
The Hours of God
David O’Brien, Perth and Kinross Council
This workshop will outline the creative process involved in the preparation and
delivery of the Senior Residential Experience for S5/6 pupils in the school. The
process and Framework are scalar in that they may be easily adapted for
smaller/younger groups and for longer or shorter periods. There are eight “Moments”
in the experience each dealing with a range of experiences and addressing the
needs of people at various ages and stages. Delegates will gain insight into the
process involved in each and experience a little of the key outcomes.
Workshop 4
Using Scripture in Religious Education
Stephen McKinney, University of Glasgow
Scripture has a prominent place in religious education in Catholic schools. This is
demonstrated by the inclusion of scripture under the heading Word of God in the
Strands of Faith, and scripture is clearly integral to all of the other strands. This
workshop aims to explore the variety of ways in which scripture can be used
effectively and imaginatively to engage learners in the classroom.
Workshop 5
Shining the Light of Christ in the Catholic School
Mary McLachlan, Glasgow City Council
Tommy Docherty, Glasgow City Council
This workshop has something to offer delegates in both primary and secondary or
sectors. It illustrates effective use of self evaluation for whole school improvement
and for departmental improvement using advice within the SCES resource " Shining
the Light of Christ: How good is your Catholic school"
The first part will focus on how self evaluation was used to improve the ethos of a
primary school. There will be an emphasis on approaches to anti-bullying and
developing the values and vision of the school.
The second part will illustrate the use of one aspect of the document in a secondary
RE department followed by a practical activity using one QI to identify evidence of
good practice and next steps on the journey to excellence.
Workshop 6
What’s Glowing On?
Katie Barrowman, LTS
Glow is lighting up learning and teaching in schools across Scotland, and now is the
time for teachers of Religious Education in Roman Catholic Schools to make the
most of it. The national intranet for schools is now live in all 32 local authorities, and
there’s a lot ‘glowing’ on. In this workshop, you will see some of the excellent
practice from around the country, hear about ways of using Glow with your classes,
and find out what's available on Glow to support you at national level.
Session 2
14.05 – 15.00
Workshop 6
What’s Glowing On?
Katie Barrowman, LTS
Glow is lighting up learning and teaching in schools across Scotland, and now is the
time for teachers of Religious Education in Roman Catholic Schools to make the
most of it. The national intranet for schools is now live in all 32 local authorities, and
there’s a lot ‘glowing’ on. In this workshop, you will see some of the excellent
practice from around the country, hear about ways of using Glow with your classes,
and find out what's available on Glow to support you at national level.
Workshop 7
Developing a whole school approach to Religious Education
Mary Reilly, Inverclyde Council
This workshop outlines the approach to religious education and the promotion of
Gospel values within our school. The central importance of our commitment to faith
is highlighted. Approaches to self – evaluation through the involvement of staff and
parents in evaluating religious education are explained. The value of cross curricular
links is illustrated through examples of recent work. Underlying the above, are the
themes of active/collaborative learning and formative assessment.
Workshop 8
Values in Action - Tackling Anti-sectarianism and Other World Religions
Mark Coyle, Inverclyde Council
Values in Action demonstrates the effective use of values as a vehicle to address the
sensitive issue of anti-sectarianism and the delivery of Other World Religions.
Through participation in this workshop delegates will be able to view the values
resource pack that was used to identify the school’s core values and see how these
values have been used to assist in developing positive attitudes in relation to issues
of anti-sectarianism and other world religions.
Workshop 9
This Is Our Faith
Barbara Campbell, SCES
The workshop will focus on key aspects of “This Is Our Faith”, the detailed guidance
being provided by Church on the teaching of religious education in Catholic schools.
There will be an opportunity to explore the connected approach that “This Is Our
Faith” offers staff within Catholic schools, for both personal and professional
development. Participants will have the opportunity to consider practical ways to
support all staff as they become familiar with, understand, implement and integrate
“This Is Our Faith” into their planning and development of ‘Curriculum for
Excellence’.
Workshop 10
Advent: Professed, Celebrated, Lived and Prayed
Anthony McBride, South Lanarkshire Council
This workshop will present an example of good practice from a large secondary
school where programmes for RE and Health and Wellbeing are integrated. Through
active teaching and learning approaches with a focus on Advent, young people are
able to encounter the person of Jesus and reflect on their own development of the
virtues and values of the Gospel. Participants will engage in discussion on how to
present young people with structured opportunities to deepen their knowledge and
understanding of Gospel values and follow Jesus' witness in the service of others.
There will also be an opportunity to consider the important links between RE and
Health and Wellbeing.