Religion

Senior Cycle

Religious Education in the Leaving Cert. programme explores issues such as the meaning and value of life, the nature of morality, the development and diversity of belief systems, the principles of a just society and the implications of scientific progress.

In fourth year, students study alcohol and substance abuse, sexuality, and the sacredness of human love and life. In fifth year, students follow a modular programme, which reflects the leaving certificate religious education syllabus. The modules taught are as follows:

• Spirituality/Prayer
• The Search For Meaning
• Relationships
• Morality
• Christianity in the Modern World
• Justice & Human Rights

1.Spirituality/Prayer 

As an introduction to prayer, students explore the role of symbol and ritual in the secular world and in the world of religion. Opportunities are provided for students to reflect on their own prayer life both past and present. The relationship between symbol and sacrament is also explored providing a natural progression to enable students to become aware of the expression of prayer and worship. An experience of prayer organised for students is an important component of this module, and is coordinated by the Chaplain.

2. The Search For Meaning

In this module, religions are presented as systematic responses to perennial questions common to all peoples about the meaning of life in the world

3. Relationships

This module allows students the opportunity to discuss their relationships with parents, siblings and the wider family and provides support and advice to young teenagers who may be having difficulties with family relationships. Students are given the opportunity to chat about boy/girlfriend relationship: the qualities they look for in a boy or girl and a forum to discuss the pressures of teenage relationships. Workshops are provided for students in teaching of Sexual Health and sexually transmitted diseases. Finally, reflective practice for students relationship with God is explored.

4. Morality

This module is concerned with questions of right and wrong, and the ability and justification to distinguish between the two. Students are made aware that what we say and do affects ourselves, other people, and the world we share. The impact can be both positive and negative, and these implications are addressed.

5.Christianity in the Modern World

 In this module students explore how representations of Jesus have evolved over the centuries and how Christianity is viewed in the modern world. Students learn about these issues through case studies in: Literature (Da Vinci Code), Film (Passion of the Christ)  Music and Media.

                   A sample of the Textbooks used by the Department at Senior Cycle

Religious Education has a particular role to play in the curriculum in the promotion of tolerance and mutual understanding. It seeks to develop in students the skills needed to engage in meaningful dialogue with those of similar, other or of no religious tradition.

Faith Development

The celebration of the liturgy plays an important role in the Religious Education Programme and the faith development life of the school. Faith development in Gort Community School reflects the major transitions in school life and the Church’s liturgical calendar. Liturgical celebration in Gort Communtiy School includes: services during November, Advent and Lent, the celebration of a school mass at  Christmas and  the Graduation Mass for Leaving Certificate students during May, which is a high point in the school calendar. The Chaplain works in collaboration with the religious education department, in the co-ordination of the liturgical life of the school.