Curriculum Area Impact Review: Religious and Moral Education The Big Messages Patricia Watson, HMI Subject Specialist Inspector for RME

Big Questions for schools: What will successful implementation of Curriculum for Excellence look like in religious and moral education? How can we get there? How will we know we have reached success?

Pre-requisites for successful implementation: Shared and deep understanding of principles and practices of Religious Education in Roman Catholic schools. Good leadership, a clear plan & rigorous self evaluation. High quality professional learning. Coherent approach to planning curriculum, learning, teaching and assessment using This Is Our Faith. Effective arrangements to measure and track progress and attainment and achievements. Embedding responsibilities for all (LIT, NUM, HWB). Policies and practices which reflect legislation and national guidance.

Significant aspects of learning in RERC: A deepening knowledge and understanding of the Catholic faith. Understanding the relevance of the Catholic faith to questions about truth and the meaning of life Fostering the values, attitudes and practices compatible with a positive response to the invitation to faith. Developing the skills of reflection, discernment and critical thinking. Being able to make well informed moral decisions. Feeling nurtured through engagement in prayer as an individual and as part of the school and parish community. Being able to understand and appreciate significant aspects of other Christian traditions and major world religions. Making a positive difference to self and the world by putting beliefs and values into action.

How well do children and young people learn and achieve in RE? What should I be looking for? Relationships, ethos and climate for learning Engagement with parents and the wider parish community Teaching, learning and assessment - progression Achievement and attainment

How well are children and young people supported to learn in RE? What should I be looking at? Curriculum design through the BGE and Senior Phase. Learning across the four aspects of the curriculum Transitions Quality of partnerships.

How well do schools and authorities continue to improve Religious Education? What should I ensure? High quality career long professional learning. Effective self-evaluation and improvement planning. Strong leadership at all levels.

Reflect: