Religious education department
Education these days is increasingly about connecting things. Linking subjects, themes and ideas is something that is developing in every area of school life here in Dunluce. This suits us very well in the Religious Education Department, as this is what we have been doing for years anyway....linking the teachings of the Bible to everyday life around us...linking pupils to each other in terms of responsibilities and relationships....linking the past, present and future.
We continue to find new ways to inform and challenge our pupils, as they develop morally, spiritually and ethically. Our world is changing fast, and our young people are going to face a barrage of difficult and important decisions as they move towards adulthood. It is our aim to equip them with the ability to make their way successfully through the moral maze of 21st century life, growing as responsible people and being an influence for good in all they do.
Of course, this is far from easy, but our pupils seem to relish each opportunity to look at what is happening in our world, through the eyes of religion. Not just Christianity, either. The new RE Core Syllabus, which involves the study of Judaism and Islam, has brought a new dimension to our class discussions. Pupils seem keen to find out how others worship, and why their beliefs are different from their own.
Increasingly, the use of internet research is helping our RE classes to grasp some of the big issues of today. This is supplemented by our GCSE visit to local churches in Portstewart. It is always a fascinating experience, especially for those who are not often inside a church building.
It’s always rewarding for our band of RE teachers to see pupils mature in their understanding or moral issues during their 5 years with us. We can only hope that something of what they have learned here in Dunluce might be of help when those vital decisions loom....