Helping children develop a love and knowledge of Jesus Christ and His Church is a key role of our Catholic schools.
The Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh is helping teachers do that by offering financial support to study for the Catholic Teachers Certificate (CTC).
This year, we have awarded 20 teachers a subsidy to study the CTC at Glasgow University.
What is the Catholic Teachers Certificate?
It is the qualification required for those eligible and wishing to teach Religious Education in Catholic primary schools or in Catholic secondary schools as a 'generalist' RE teacher. Working in partnership with the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, the University of Glasgow is responsible for this award. Find out more here.
Margaret Barton, Archdiocesan Religious Education Advisor to High Schools, said: "Having the CTC is of great benefit to a teacher as it enables them to teach Religious Education lessons and prepare children for receiving the Sacraments.
"We're pleased to support 20 teachers again this year and its been great to have such positive feedback from teachers.
Feedback
We asked teachers based in our Archdiocese who have just completed the CTC to give us their feedback, below.
I enjoyed studying the CTC because it has helped to develop my professional practice and enhanced my own understanding of my faith. It has allowed me to develop the knowledge and skills required to effectively teach the RE programme.
- Rebecca Stanford
The CTC course allowed me to build a closer relationship with the pupils on their faith journey whilst making the sacraments.
- Cameron Kildae, St Joseph's Primary, Whitburn
Through the course I made new friendships. We talked about our faith, our experiences, our jobs and and supported each other through the coursework. Although a practicing Catholic, the course really made me think more deeply about my faith and gave me a better understanding of things that I was a bit unsure of before.
- Stacy Corrigan
It has developed my knowledge and understanding in order to lead our Faith within a Catholic primary school and has strengthened my own belief.
- Cheryl Evans
I enjoyed studying for the CTC because of the range of experiences it has afforded me, including in-person days to grow in community and personal reflections upon my own faith journey. I found the course tutors to be supportive and approachable.
- Lucy Walker
It was great being able to get together with other Catholic teachers and discuss our roles, ideas, and share our experiences. I now have a better understanding of the This is our Faith resource and how it should be used across the school to ensure progression and depth for our learners.
- Louise McCauley