Thornleigh Sixth Form Core Religious Education

Core Religious Education (RE) at our Sixth Form is an inclusive and thought-provoking programme that invites all students - of all faiths and none - to explore life’s big questions.

Rooted in the Catholic tradition and inspired by Catholic Social Teaching, Core RE offers a space for reflection, discussion, and critical thinking about the ethical, spiritual, and social issues shaping our world.

Whether students practise a faith or not, Core RE encourages everyone to consider how values such as human dignity, justice, peace, and stewardship can guide personal choices and contribute to the common good.

What will I Study?

Our programme covers a range of contemporary and relevant themes drawn from Catholic Social Teaching, examined through a lens of open inquiry and respect for diverse perspectives:

Care for Creation - Investigating the moral responsibility to protect the environment, with insights from Pope Francis ’Laudato Si’, and linking faith with ecological sustainability.
Human Dignity - Exploring the belief that every person has inherent worth, and discussing real-world challenges like poverty, discrimination, and injustice.
Option for the Poor and Vulnerable - Understanding social responsibility and the need to stand in solidarity with those who are most marginalised, both locally and globally.
Solidarity - Promoting unity and mutual respect across differences, and examining how inclusive communities can be built in a divided world.
Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers - Reflecting on the meaning of work, ethical labour practices, and how economies can better serve people.
Subsidiarity and Participation - Encouraging active citizenship and personal responsibility by empowering individuals to contribute to positive change in society.

Why is Core Religious Education Important?

In a world facing complex moral and social challenges, Core RE provides students with the knowledge, language, and ethical framework to respond thoughtfully and compassionately. While the programme is grounded in Catholic teaching, it encourages respectful dialogue and welcomes a diversity of beliefs and experiences.

Core RE helps students to consider:

What kind of person do I want to be?
How can I live with integrity and purpose?
What role do I have in shaping a fair and sustainable future?

Through this, students develop a deeper understanding of themselves, others, and the wider world.

How does it support your growth?

Core RE contributes to the personal and moral development of all students by:

Fostering critical thinking and ethical reflection
Promoting empathy, inclusion, and global awareness
Encouraging active engagement with social and environmental issues
Supporting students in exploring their values, beliefs, and vocation

Students are invited to consider how they can use their skills, passions, and future careers to promote justice, peace, and human flourishing - whether inspired by faith, conscience, or shared human values.