Religious Education
Staff List and HOD Names
Ms C Shevlin (HOD)
Mr S Quinn
Mr M McCaughan
Mr N Banks
Ms R Greene
Ms G O’Rawe
Ms M Wisniewska
Mr E Fallon
Mr C Gallagher
Ms S Clancy
Mr E Hughes
Ms C Ryan
Mr E Loughran
Vision and Aims of Department
The Religious Education Department of All Saints College aim to promote high quality learning and teaching, in the Edmund Rice tradition of compassion and respect.
As a Catholic school community, we will work in the pursuit of nurturing faith, promoting partnership, excelling in learning and teaching, creating a caring school community and inspiring leadership whilst celebrating diversity and awareness of other world views.
The Religious Education Department in All Saints College supports the Catholic faith and values of our religion. The ethos and tradition of Blessed Edmund Rice, underpins the education of our students.
Religious Education not only promotes academic success, but also supports the faith development of all students in partnership with parents, the parish and wider religious community.
We recognise the diversity of faiths and cultures in our school and work to embrace and build understanding between those on different faith journeys.
Outline of Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5
KEY STAGE 3
Students at Key Stage 3 have an opportunity to follow a dynamic and stimulating programme of study. Based on the experiential approach to religious development; a variety of resources including the Fully Alive Programme and other stimuli are used to ensure the needs of all students are met in line with the NI Curriculum. Our students are provided with the opportunity to challenge ideas, develop their thinking skills and to promote their personal capabilities.
KEY STAGE 4
At Key Stage 4 all students study a Level 2 course which recognises their preferred learning pathway. The 2 pathways we currently offer are:
GCSE Religious Studies (The Gospel of Mark, Christian Ethics and /or Islamic Studies. www.ccea.org.uk
Certificate in Religious Studies Level 2 OCN OCNNI
Students studying an OCN in Religious Studies complete nine topics which are externally moderated and assessed. Once completed, students receive a Level 2 (Grade B equivalent). There is no exam requirement. Students complete the following units:
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Addiction
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Charity and Religious Charity
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Exploring Personal Faith and Identity
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Exploring Religious Traditions
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Matters of Life and Death
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Life of a Famous Person of Faith
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Marriage and Divorce
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Prejudice and Reconciliation
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World Faiths
KEY STAGE 5
A/S and A-Level Religious Studies is offered at Post-16. Link to CCEA website at www.ccea.org.uk
Career Opportunities
The skills developed through the study of Religious Education provide a firm foundation for progress to a wide variety of career opportunities. As well as developing Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities, students develop the skills of investigation, analysis, evaluation and communication.
Career pathways can include:
Additional Information
Spiritual Development and Extra-Curricular Activities
Religious Education is about the growth of the whole individual and as educators we feel it is important that this is developed. The School Chaplains within the parish and the Belfast Islamic Centre, working closely with members of the Religion Department, are central to this development. Students have the opportunity to participate in retreats, liturgies, visits and a variety of youth conferences. The school has its own Oratory or ‘Shared Sacred Space’ for prayer, reflection and the celebration of Mass. All students have an opportunity to visit the Oratory as prayer is an integral part of their spiritual development.
As required by law (Education & Libraries (NI) Order 1986) and DE Circular 2026/09, All Saints College provides Religious Education (RE) and collective worship. Parents may withdraw their child, fully or partially, from RE and/or collective worship. The Department’s standard withdrawal form (Annex A to Circular 2026/09) is available from the school to exercise this right. (DE Circular Number: 2026/09 Date of Issue:3 February 2026)
At All Saints College we respect parental choice. Parents have a statutory right to withdraw a pupil from Religious Education and/or collective worship. If you wish to do so, please complete the attached standard withdrawal form (DE Annex A), indicating which elements (e.g. full RE programme or certain prayers/assemblies) you wish to withdraw from.
No reason needs to be given.
Return the form to Ms Claire Shevlin at
info@allsaintscollege.belfast.ni.sch.uk
We will process your request promptly and confirm in writing within 5 school days.
Q: Can I withdraw my child from RE or collective worship?
A: Yes. Every grant-aided school must provide RE and worship, but parents have a legal right to withdraw their child from all or part of RE and/or collective worship. This is a statutory right and there is no requirement to provide reasons for doing so.
Q: How do I make the request?
A: Complete the standard withdrawal form (Annex A of Circular 2026/09) and return it to Ms Claire Shevlin. Indicate on the form what you are withdrawing from (e.g. “all RE” or “prayers in assembly”)
Q: Does my child have to give a reason or attend a meeting?
A: No. You do not have to explain your decision, and no meeting or approval process is required. The form will be granted immediately.
Q: What will my child do during RE/collective worship time?
A: The child will stay on the premises under supervision and engage in a suitable quiet activity (e.g. independent study or reading). This is to ensure the child has meaningful, alternative work to do, without being isolated or labeled.
Q: Can I choose only part of RE/collective worship?
A: Yes. The form allows partial withdrawal (e.g. specific topics or parts of collective worship). Please specify exactly what you want to withdraw from on the form.
Q: Who can I contact for help or more information?
A: Please contact Ms Claire Shevlin at info@allsaintscollege.belfast.ni.sch.uk
You can also find the standard form and circular details on the school website or at the school office.
