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Spiritual, Social, Moral and Cultural Values
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Religious instruction and observance are fundamental and form an important aspect in the education provided at St Mary’s Primary School. Our aim is to extend the pupils’ knowledge and understanding of the teachings of the Catholic Church and lead them to a deeper awareness of God’s love and His offer of salvation through prayer and the Sacraments. The Veritas Religious Education Programme, incorporating Alive-O 1, 2 3, 4 and 5, is the main RE scheme, and through this the pupils are taught the importance of Christian values which are acknowledged and encouraged in the daily life of the school. Formal religious instruction includes pupils’ preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation (Primary 3), the Eucharist (Primary 4), and Confirmation (Primaries 6 and 7, every alternate year).
The school Chaplain plays an important role in the provision of religious education by visiting classes on a regular basis and supporting the school in the preparation of pupils for the Sacraments.
We encourage parents to play an active part in their child’s reception of the Sacraments. Parents’ meetings are arranged and materials provided which suggest activities for parental involvement.
It is recognised that the Education Act allows parents to withdraw their children from any instruction in religious subjects, and from religious observance, and any such pupil will not be placed at any disadvantage with respect to secular instruction.
“Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is manifest from the history of denominational education in Scotland, and particularly from the continuing guarantees given at the time of passing of the Education (Scotland) Act 1918, and indeed enshrined therein and the current legislation with regard to religious instruction and observance form part of the religious tradition and ethos in Catholic schools and play an important part in the education provided in this school. Parents who elect to send their children to this school, therefore, are expected to accept the traditions, and their children should attend all religious instruction and observance.”
Parents who wish to exercise their rights to withdraw their children from any instruction or observances are asked to contact the Head Teacher.
Parents may request that their children be permitted to be absent in order to celebrate religious events. Advance notice should be provided to the school when children will be absent. Appropriate requests will be granted and the pupil noted as an authorised absence in the register.
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