Religion

Catholic schools have a goal of graduating students who are self-directed, creative, responsible, and collaborative learners.

All Religious Education courses promote these expectations through:

Critical thinking - asking questions of what you read and see.

Collaborative learning - working with others to generate ideas and understand concepts.

Flipping the class - you take responsibility to learn the content before class, so more class time can be dedicated to mastering skills.

Experiential learning - applying concepts by doing collaborative activities like retreats, charitable projects, and interactive tasks.

Grade 9	Takes a look at the individual and how he/she relates to God and others. Studies: a basic introduction to Christianity (beliefs, scripture); the sacredness of life; five aspects of the self (“S.P.I.E.S”); the moral decision making process; love and relationships; forgiveness and reconciliation; understanding faith and the practice of prayer.
Grade 10	Takes a look at the Church throughout history. Studies: Jewish History; Gospel formation and the development of the Bible; formation of the early Church; the Church in the modern world (as an institution, its hierarchy, its practices); the Character Cycle; conflict resolution skills; the importance of the family; social justice and activism.
Grade 11	Takes a look at the World’s religions through the eyes of Catholicism. Studies: Ecumenism and Inter-Religious Dialogue; prejudice and discrimination; empathy; Native Spirituality; core beliefs, practices, sacred scriptures, sacred ceremonies of the major religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism), and how they compare to Catholicism. This course is offered at both the “open” and “mixed” level, and the approach of the teachers will vary based on the level. In general, “open” level courses use more hands-on, practical applications, and “mixed” courses are more theoretical.
Grade 12	Takes a look at the Church in our Culture. Studies: Catholic Social Teaching and its application to global issues; virtues and character; ethics and conscience; marriage; the sacrament of Holy Orders. The course is intended to prepare the individual for the life-long mission of being moral, active participants in a global society. This course is offered at both the “open” and “mixed” level, and the approach of the teachers will vary based on the level. In general, “open” level courses use more hands-on, practical applications, and “mixed” courses are more theoretical. The prerequisite for 4M is HRT3M.
Philosophy	Covers 3-5 of the main branches of philosophy: metaphysics, logic, epistemology, ethics, social and political philosophy, and aesthetics. Studies critical-thinking skills, main ideas of key philosophers, development of your own philosophical ideas, and how to apply those ideas to contemporary social issues and your own personal experiences. This course is a “university” level course, which means that students need to have strong critical thinking and writing skills, and exceptional learning skills. The prerequisites for this course are university/college prep English and a Social Science, although for greater success we recommend that students complete ENG3U and HRT3M with at least a level 3 (75%) overall.