Ballinamore Post-Primary Schools

 Faith Formation Policy

Mission and Ethos

Our Mission is the provision of a broad, relevant curriculum for our students, through which they can develop their full potential.  We aim to prepare our students to participate as good Christians and as good citizens in society. 

The Ballinamore Post-Primary Schools combine the traditions of the Vocational School and the Secondary School to provide a good quality education for our students.  It is the concern of both traditions to inform, nourish and promote faith formation among students. 

Family and Community

Parents and family are the first and primary educators in faith.  The school seeks to complement this process.  The faith experience of students can range from considerable experience in the family and in the local community to very little or no experience of faith.  Students are frequently involved in church activity in their communities.  The RE programme and this policy acknowledges and hopes to promote this community involvement.  Parish Clergy who wish to visit the school are welcome to do so, by arrangement, during the RE periods. 

Aims

1.                  To maintain a caring community in the school where the ethos and practice of attitudes and actions to one another is Christian. 

2.                  To educate students about their faith.

3.                  To complement the faith formation of the home and local church. 

Curriculum

In Junior Certificate classes the curriculum as set out by the Department of Education and Science will be followed.  Each junior class will have three periods of RE per week.  In First and Second Year examinations will be held at Christmas and summer.  In Third Year an assessment will be sent home at Christmas and the Pre-Junior Certificate will be held in February.   

In senior classes Religious Education will not be for examination and the course as outlined by the Catholic Church’s guidelines will be followed.  This gives some latitude in content.  The aim is to build on the knowledge gained in junior and to take account of students maturing and having more personal views on religion.  Each class will have three periods per week (Fourth Year LCVP will have two periods) 

Resources

The main resource in teaching religion is the teachers.  At present three teachers are involved in teaching RE.  At Junior Certificate level students are required to purchase their own books.  At senior level the school provides books.  Use is made of photocopied materials, videos and the Internet.  Occasionally speakers are invited to address students on relevant topics.  Religious symbols are displayed in the school, crucifixes, statues and posters.   

Liturgy

A mass is held at the beginning of the year in September.  Students also have mass on Ash Wednesday as a group in the local church.  In May the Leaving Certificate class organise an end of the year mass.  Their parents and teachers are invited to this celebration.  Usually in Advent and Lent the sacrament of penance is celebrated in the local church.  Class liturgies are held when the need arises.

Retreats

Retreats are usually held for Fourth and Fifth Years at out of school venues.  These are sometimes conducted by the Kilmore Diocesan Retreat time.  RE teachers have used the retreat facilities of Knock Shrine.  All students are expected to attend.  Students who have written permission from parents or guardians need not attend.   

Pastoral Care

The Pastoral Care Team has as its aims:

·        To provide a safe, supportive and caring environment for students.

·        To be alert to any problems that students may have that could be helped     within the school context.

·        To encourage students to mature by acting responsibly towards each other. 

Their role and activity is a practical expression of Christianity.  The team may request that certain topics be covered in RE class or by outside speakers.  The Pastoral Care Team can make the difference in daily life for students that is read about and promoted in religion. 

Practical Expression of Christian Concern

Students are encouraged to participate in collecting money for charity e.g. the Trocaire Fast and hampers at Christmas.  Other subjects such as CSPE and LCVP occasionally organise such events. 

Parents

With due regard to the wishes of the parents and students the school will endeavour to enhance the experience of faith in home and in community.  If parents wish to have their children opt out of RE class they will be facilitated.  For purposes of supervision it may mean staying in the RE class but not participating.   

Review

This policy is open to review each year.  The RE teachers, staff, Parents Association, Students Council and Board of Management are involved in the review.