Page 122 - Bellfort Magazine 2024

Education is about the development of the whole person. Religious Education deals with the
development of the person in relation to self-awareness, relationship with others and the realm of
beliefs, values and practices which go to make up an outlook of life. As such it makes an important
contribution to the personal, spiritual, and social development of pupils.
The many beliefs and attitudes found in today’s pluralistic society, which are mirrored in our school,
makes this area of the curriculum an exciting challenge.
What we aim to do:
• To encourage pupils to reflect on personal issues emanating from religious and moral values,
explore the basis of human conduct and develop an effective moral code.
• To help pupils achieve an awareness and understanding of influences which affect our beliefs.
• To give pupils an awareness of pupils’ and others’ beliefs.
What we learn—Pupils study a varied and enjoyable programme based upon the Core Syllabus. Pupils
are presented with opportunities to discuss, use ICT and engage in a wide range of active learning
tasks, that are designed to contribute to the students intellectual, moral and emotional development.
Life in the Religious Education Department in 2023/24—Visiting speakers and educational visits are
an integral part of the pupil experience in Religious Education. Our current Year 8 pupils had the
opportunity to meet the ministers of local churches at the beginning of this year and question them
on their reasons for pursuing a career in ministry.
After learning about the work of ‘Good News For Everyone’ (formerly Gideons UK) a representative
from the organisation distributed New Testament copies of the Bible to each pupil in our Year 8
cohort (Jan 2024).
In September 2023 Dunclug College hosted the Journey2Where Bible Exhibition. Each of our Year 10
students had the opportunity to explore the Bible as a source of truth. This event gave opportunity
for pupils to ask some very challenging questions with answers provided from a Christian perspective.
Religious Studies Department and Community work—During the course of the year we have been
able to continue our charitable work and have been committed to supporting our local community
and encouraging a change to the lives of those in need. The College examines and provides practical
support to homeless charities in Northern Ireland, raises awareness to issues of injustice and
promotes and helps with the collection of non-perishable food items for a local food bank which
works with families in the Ballymena area.
Partnership with the Northern Health Service – Palliative Care Comfort Pack Donations—As we work
towards becoming a ‘Take 5’ school, we value the importance of being able to connect and give to
others within our community. In November and December the College linked directly with Macmillan
Palliative Care Service to provide families at Antrim Area Hospital with ‘Comfort Packs’ containing
essential items, so they don’t have to leave their loved ones at critical times. The response from our
school community was overwhelming and staff from the NHS met with College pupils in February
2024 to receive items and convey their thanks.
NHS Schools Programme – ‘Lessons from an Elephant’ - The Northern Health and Social Care Trust,
Community Specialist Palliative Care Team, delivered a workshop entitled ‘Lessons from an Elephant’
to Year 8 students to raise awareness of Palliative care and Bereavement in June 2024. The
workshop was adapted from a programme of lessons entitled ‘Elephant’s Tea Party’ which was
developed by the highly respected national charity, Child Bereavement UK. The workshop explored
Palliative Care and Bereavement in an age appropriate, straightforward and sensitive way. It is hoped
this will help students to begin to develop coping skills should anyone important to them experience
life changing circumstances. The workshop provided opportunities for students to share their
experiences, and considered ways we can support loved ones when life gets difficult. Each Year 8
pupil created a memory tile to mark the event. These will be pieced together to create an art piece
which will be displayed in our school.