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Term 1 Religious Education Overview

Mar 04 2026
Written by Olivia Couch

Religious Education at St Dominic's

Term 1 Overview

It has been an exciting start to the year in Religious Education, with students engaging in meaningful learning about faith, spirituality, scripture, and social justice.

A significant highlight for 2026 is the introduction of a Stage 2 Integrated Learning subject for our Year 11 students as part of their RE pathway. This new initiative allows students to begin their Stage 2 journey earlier while strengthening their research, reflection, and analytical skills. Their learning centres on the 2025–2026 Social Justice Statement, Signs of Hope on the Edge. Using the See Judge Act methodology, students are examining contemporary social justice issues, applying Catholic Social Teaching, and exploring practical ways to become authentic “builders of hope” within their communities.

We are also delighted to celebrate four Year 11 students who have been appointed as Catherine House High School Ambassadors. In this important role, they will help raise awareness of homelessness among women and support initiatives that promote dignity, compassion, and social justice. We look forward to seeing their leadership flourish throughout the year.

Across the middle years, students have been immersed in meaningful and engaging topics.  Year 7 students have explored God, Us and Faith, developing their understanding of religion, the core beliefs of Christianity, and the ways spirituality shapes personal and communal life.

Year 8 students have investigated the Ancestor Stories of Abraham, Sarah, and their descendants. Through their assessment task, they retold one of these stories using a medium of their choice, demonstrating their understanding of Hebrew culture and explaining the significance of beliefs and practices within the narrative. Their creative responses, captured in the photos, showcase both imagination and thoughtful interpretation.

In Year 9, students have been studying Jewish Jesus, deepening their understanding of Jesus’ life within its Jewish cultural and historical context. They explored the traditions, laws, and customs at the time and considered how these shaped Jesus’ ministry and message.

In the senior years, Year 10 students have been exploring Faith and Spirituality, including researching a chosen religious tradition and analysing its beliefs, sacred texts, rituals, ethics, and symbols. Through this inquiry, students are developing a deeper appreciation of how spirituality shapes identity, meaning, and community.

Year 12 students are currently studying Made in the Image of God (MITIOG) while also engaging in lessons from the Child Protection Curriculum (CPC). Students explore human dignity, respectful relationships, ethical decision-making, and the importance of moral integrity when navigating complex situations. These studies encourage students to reflect on their values and consider how faith and personal responsibility shape the choices they make in everyday life.

Olivia Couch
LEARNING AREA LEADER | RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

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