RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Religious Education is a compulsory subject for all learners attending St Mary’s College. We endeavour to make it engaging and relevant.

In 2024 students in both Year 11 and Year 12 have a choice of three strands of Religious Education.

• Level 2 Studies of Religion (15 TCE credit points)

• Level 3 Studies of Religion (15 TCE credit points)

Only Year 12 students will be able to choose Community Service Learning (if they have not completed it in 2023).

• Community Service Learning (5 TCE credit points). This is a 50 hour course which is completed either at school during the student’s study line or outside school in the student’s own time or a mix of both.

Only Year 11 students will be able to choose Good News for Living

• Good News for Living. This is an 80-hour course designed specifically for students in Catholic Schools in Tasmania. This course is for students seeking an understanding of the Catholic faith and is a continuation of the learning undertaken in Years 7-10 in Life and Faith in Catholic schools. The course is designed by Catholic Education Tasmania. This course does not earn points towards the Tasmanian Certificate of Education.

These options acknowledge that every student is unique and therefore has different gifts and interests. We believe that these programs and opportunities are respectful of students’ varied knowledge and understanding. The courses provide a young adult perspective on the meaning of faith, culture and life.

The Religious Education program aims to give students, as young adults, an appreciation of the Catholic tradition. It is also designed to help students explore their own personal journeys and individual search for meaning; searching and questioning is respected and encouraged.

As part of the Religious Education program, all students attend a Retreat and participate in the liturgical and faith life of the College. Opportunities are provided for students to be involved in parish/school justice events, co-curricular committees with outside agencies and organisations, as well as with church and inter-faith communities.