Course Catalogue

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This module will focus on Teaching, beginning with explorations of a Catholic vision of education, its identity, tradition and contribution to Scottish education. You will also consider how religious education is affected by the development of the child from early years into young adulthood. With a particular focus on the primary or secondary sector, you will learn about the R.E. curriculum, approaches to learning & teaching, assessment and reporting. You will also explore how pupils' faith formation can arise through Personal Search and through religious observance.

This is an open enrolment and continous programme.

You must hold a teaching qualification or be a student on a programme of initial teacher education.

a) A critical essay on learning and teaching in an aspect of the Religious Education curriculum. This will include analysis of two lesson plans demonstrating knowledge and understanding of the Religious Education curriculum syllabus materials, and the skills required to implement, assess and evaluate these. (1500 words)

plus EITHER

b i) A critical report on participation in a second CPD event or equivalent experience provided by the local diocese or its delegated agency and concerned with pedagogy and practice in Religious Education. (1500 words)
OR if such participation is deemed by the tutor inappropriate or impracticable.
b ii) A critical essay on pedagogy and methodology in Religious Education in consultation with, and with the approval of, the student's tutor. (1500 words)

By the end of the course students will
- Understand the underlying principles and practices of the Catholic faith and to examine critically the implications of these for Christian commitment and living.
- Be able to express the values and ideals of the Catholic faith integrating these with Christian living in the context of the work, obligations and challenges of those involved in Religious Education.

The Programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas:

Knowledge and Understanding

To support the student in appreciating the stages of personal religious and moral development and the appropriate educational responses to these.
To support the student in exploring approaches to learning and teaching in Religious Education and to relate methods and practices to subject content, curriculum development and faith formation.

Skills And Other Attributes

Subject-specific / practical skills

Interpreting and contextualising a range of biblical, doctrinal and religious principles and beliefs and developing and implementing appropriate educational experiences based upon these.

Affording learners positive, varied and motivating contexts for learning and personal growth in Religious Education based upon confidence in using the syllabus, resources and strategies of the subject area.

Intellectual Skills

Continual critical enquiry and personal development in values and religious education.
Sensitivity to culture, authority, belonging and tradition in religion.
Research into the relationship of faith to life, to religious practice, to tolerance and to respect for difference.

Transferable / Key Skills

Developing reflective professional practice in the broad interpersonal, spiritual and philosophical dimensions of education.
Concern for the needs of all learners.
Collaborative participation in ongoing educational change and technological innovation.
Communication and cooperation with other stakeholders in education.
Planning, implementation, assessment and evaluation of learning and teaching.

Successful completion of the assignment.