New Scottish RE syllabus launched

This Is Our Faith, the new Religious Education syllabus for Catholic schools in Scotland, was launched by the Bishops of Scotland in Edinburgh on Monday 7 November 2011 before an audience of invited guests, including representatives of the main educational organisations, as well as pupils, teachers, parents and clergy. The Bishops said in a statement: "The Holy See's granting of the Decree of Recognitio to This Is Our Faith is a rare and momentous achievement and pays testimony to the great efforts of so many people who have contributed to its development."

Speaking at the launch event, Cardinal Keith Patrick O’Brien said: “I believe that the publication of This Is Our Faith is a sign of great hope for the future of religious education and for the faith development of young people in our country.”

This Is Our Faith is a very substantial document. Printed in full colour, it consists of 312 A4 pages and is organised in five sections, dealing with the nature of the Catholic school, the purpose of religious education and the role of the teacher. It goes on to describe the eight Strands of Faith which are the basis of the new syllabus. The bulk of the document provides the 'core learning' in faith which young people are expected to experience from Primary 1 through to Secondary Year 3. (A Senior phase syllabus is also in development.)

Copies of This Is Our Faith are now available for purchase from SCES at the cost of £20 (+p/p). To order copies contact SCES by email: orders@sces.uk.com or by telephone: 0141 556 4727.