Want Accreditation to teach RE in Catholic Schools?

Studying at the CAEC

Since 2004, teachers in the Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of Sydney have been able to obtain accreditation to teach Religious Education by completing the Certificate in Faith Education offered by the Catholic Adult Education Centre.

The Certificate involves completion of eight main subjects, with two units in each. In addition to compulsory units in The Creed, The Sacraments, Moral Life in Christ, Opening the Bible, Christian Prayer, Jesus Christ, Teaching Religion and Christian Leadership, teachers can choose from a wide range of subjects in the areas of Sacred Scripture, Church History and Christian Life.

The include such units as The Gospel of Matthew, The Gospel of John, St Paul and his Letters, Catholic Social Teaching, The Theology of the Body, Ethics of Life and Love, The Early Church, Controversies in Church History, The Reformation, Vatican II for Today, The Spiritual Life, and many more.

The program is characterised by flexibility and it can be tailored to the needs and preferences of each teacher.

These units may be completed either by attendance at classes, by correspondence or by a combination of both.

Course Content

The curriculum offered at the CAEC is solidly grounded on Scripture, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, and other important documents. Since the Religious Education Curriculum of the Archdiocese of Sydney and the To Know, Worship and Love texts used in the Catholic schools are based on these documents, teachers who study at the CAEC will be very familiar with the foundations of the texts they use.

Attendance mode

Attendance at classes is always preferred, as it facilitates interaction with the lecturer and the other students.

In addition to a two-day intensive course each term, classes are given at The Catholic Centre, 3 Keating St, Lidcombe, on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Some classes have been offered offsite at parishes throughout the Sydney Archdiocese. The classes offered at Lidcombe are from 6.30pm to 8pm and 8.15pm to 9.45pm. Each term has eight weeks (or 6 weeks offsite) and there are four terms each year.

The CAEC is always willing to consider offering classes in different locations when a reasonable number of students can be expected.

Correspondence Mode

Correspondence students are supplied with a package containing eight 80-minute audio CDs for each unit, plus course handouts and notes. They can then study at their own convenience, although it is recommended that they set aside regular times each week.

Lecturers

The lecturers at the CAEC are all highly qualified, with advanced degrees in their subject areas.

Assessment

A written assignment of 1000 words or equivalent is required for each unit, to be handed in after the completion of the unit. In some units, an alternative assessment of short answers to questions may be offered.

Cost

A fee is charged for each unit, to be paid by the teacher on commencement of the unit. On satisfactory completion of each unit, the teacher will be reimbursed by the CEO. For the current fee please contact the Centre.

Further Information

For further information, please contact Peter Holmes, Manager – Courses or Melissa Brooks, Course Coordinator on 9643 3660 or email study@caec.com.au

FAQs

1. Is the Certificate in Faith Education recognised by other dioceses in NSW?

Yes, all 11 dioceses recognise the Certificate in Faith Education.

2. I am currently studying to be a teacher. Can I still be reimbursed by the CEO?

Yes. Please contact the Manager – Studies at the CAEC for more details.

3. How long does it take to complete? The Certificate is designed to fit the needs of the student. Students have taken between 1 to 4 years to complete the Certificate.

4. Can I enrol in Correspondence units at anytime? Yes. You can start a unit of study via Correspondence at anytime.

Comments on our course

Vanessa Boustani - student “I am currently studying at the CAEC to gain my certificate to teach Religious Education in secondary schools in NSW, whilst I am also a full-time HSIE/RE teacher at a Catholic School. The course is structured in a way that is flexible and convenient, allowing me to work and study at the same time with ease. I find the lecturers engaging and very helpful, knowledgeable and resourceful. There is never a dull moment in the classes, with so many individuals eager to discuss and share their knowledge. I have not just received a better faith education, I have also received a stronger faith and it is much easier now to pass on my faith in the classroom. The people at the CAEC are like a family to me. I am glad I made the choice to study here.”

Anthony Cleary – CEO, Director of Religious Education and Evangelisation “The Catholic Adult Education Centre has been recognised as a provider of accreditation to teach Religious Education in the schools of the Archdiocese of Sydney since 2005. Over the years, I have been impressed with the thoroughness and balance of the teaching given and by the love for the faith of both teachers and students of the Centre. I am happy to see that the Centre is now offering two-day intensive courses, which are very convenient for teachers and catechists. I commend the courses to all our Catholic School teachers and to our catechists in the state schools.”

Cardinal George Pell “The Church looks to her young people as leaders and disciples, and to this end it is vital that they receive a solid education in the faith. The preparation of teachers of Religious Education for our schools is therefore of paramount importance. Over the years I have observed the work of the Catholic Adult Education Centre and have been particularly happy to know that its Certificate programs, based firmly on Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, have helped students to deepen their understanding and love of the faith. I am thus happy to recommend the Centre’s Certificate in Faith Education for the accreditation of teachers to teach RE in our Catholic Schools.”