The College also takes its direction from the spirit and charism of the Founder of the Christian Brothers – Blessed Edmund Ignatius Rice.

Structure

At St Edward’s College all students are required to study Religious Education. Stage 6 senior school students, have a choice to study either the 1 or 2 Unit Board Developed Course – Studies of Religion, or the school based 1 Unit Content Endorsed Course – Studies of Catholic Thought. In Stage 4 and 5, Years 7- 10 study Religion for three periods per week and centred on the teachings of Jesus. Years 11 and 12 study Religion for two periods per week and focus on Catholic Social Teachings and the Study of Religions and their beliefs and teachings.

Rationale

The Religious Education program at St Edward ‘s provides for a study of Religion in our contemporary everchanging world. This study of religious traditions and religious issues, provide students with opportunities for clarifying their own beliefs and values. It aims at helping students acquire knowledge, understanding and respect for all religions, especially the Christian religious tradition, in the context of the modern world.

Content

The spirit of the Catholic faith teaches its adherents to love God and ‘love your neighbour as you love yourself’. At St Edward’s College, special emphasis is placed upon areas of study that develop young people to be ‘Men that achieve’, living good lives that hold moral, ethics and values. Our RE program contains units of study which enable our students to develop self-esteem and personal growth. Many modules attempt to engage with respect to the Indigenous, Torres Strait Islander and Interfaith Dialogue issues in Australia. Students also engage in depth studies of other cultures throughout the world, by studying other World Religions.

Spiritual Life

Opportunities for students to develop their own faith formation are provided not only by regular classroom religious instruction but also by formal and informal Liturgical celebrations. These celebrations are provided by the teachers at the College and the Priests of the Central Coast. The Spiritual Life of any Catholic College should have its beginnings in each home: St Edward’s is no exception and is greatly encouraged.

On a regular basis throughout the Year, the celebration of the Eucharist – the central action of our Catholic Faith – is provided for the whole school community. Days of Reflection and/or Retreat experiences are provided for all students.

With the Spiritual Life being the central focus of the daily life of the College, it is an expectation that all students who seek enrolment at St Edward’s College, enter Religious Education in a positive manner and participate fully in the liturgical celebrations when these occasions occur.

The EREA Charter

All schools and educational entities in the Edmund Rice tradition across Australia are bound by a Charter which identifies four touchstones authentically linked with the Charism of Blessed Edmund Rice and which underpin the ministry in our schools and educational endeavours.

These touchstones help us set our direction and define our goals by following Blessed Edmund’s example. Students, through prayer and action, continue to reflect and to seek to make the Gospel a living reality in our communities. St Edward’s College is an authentic Catholic School in the Edmund Rice tradition. Living these touchstones gives Edmund Rice Education Australia a special place in educating for liberation and possibility.

Liberating Education

We open hearts and minds, through quality teaching and learning experiences, so that through critical reflection and engagement each person is hope-filled and free to build a better world for all.

Gospel Spirituality

We invite all people into the story of Jesus and strive to make his message of compassion, justice and peace a living reality within our community.

Inclusive Community

Our community is accepting and welcoming, fostering right relationships and committed to the common good.

Justice and Solidarity

We are committed to justice and peace for all, grounded in a spirituality of action and reflection that calls us to stand in solidarity with those who are marginalised and the Earth itself.

Each school and educational entity within Edmund Rice Education Australia is called to be authentic to The Charter. The Charter aims to inspire school communities to foster energetically the vision of a charismatic leader, Blessed Edmund Rice, in the Spirit of Christ and the educational mission of the Catholic Church. The formulation of the Charter was the result of consultation and collaboration by Edmund Rice Education Australia with the schools and educational entities throughout Australia.

As a living document, the Charter continues to evolve through review and reflection as the demands of our changing times are read and interpreted in the light of the unchanging Gospel.

This Charter document was proclaimed on 22 August 2011.

Courses