ST. ANNE'S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL RELIGION CURRICULUM

The goals of the religion program are:

• To encourage spiritual growth;
• To inspire the pursuit of peace and justice with one another and within our greater community;
• To develop a sense of responsibility for betterment of the common good through community service and advocacy;
• To identify and appreciate diverse religions and belief systems;
• To teach respect, responsibility and compassion;
• To worship regularly as a community.

     Love for students, for their value as children of God, and for their unique gifts are the guiding precepts of St. Anne's Episcopal School. We encourage respect for others' beliefs, and seek values that unite rather than divide people.
     Because religion is an important instructional tool in learning about culture, geography, economics and social issues, the teachings of Scripture and the Episcopal traditions are studied along with other religions and spiritual systems in a number of subject areas. The school chaplain is a regular member of the faculty who teaches and conducts worship. Chapel services are held weekly. The chaplain invites all faculty, students, and their families, regardless of religious background, to participate in chapel services.

RELIGION SCOPE AND SEQUENCE

    As an Episcopal school, students learn Christian beliefs and also are exposed to the tenets of major religions practiced both in the United States and other countries. The religion curriculum is structured in a developmentally appropriate fashion, keeping in mind the social, emotional and spiritual needs of each age group. In addition to the specific curriculum topics, some weeks' lessons are devoted to the season of the year, to a holiday, or to a community event or social issue. The chaplain or other religion teacher meets with each class once a week and all students participate in weekly chapel services.   Daily Devotions are led each morning by the homeroom teacher in the classroom. 

PRE-KINDERGARTEN - GRADE TWO

    For the youngest students, the religion curriculum introduces God as our creator and guide. Through the use of story telling, many major biblical figures, holidays and traditions are taught in this program. Children are guided in developing an understanding of St. Anne's Episcopal School's core principles of respect, responsibility and compassion as these values are taught in Christianity and other major religions. The integration of religion with other disciplines provides authentic and concrete connections for the children.

• Prekindergarten - Creation and Jesus' life and teachings
• Kindergarten - Abraham and Sarah, Jacob, David stories, Psalms, and Jesus as the Good Shepherd
• First Grade - Joseph and Moses stories
• Second Grade - The Ten Commandments and Jesus' life and teachings.

GRADE THREE

    During the third grade year, religion instruction is aligned with the social studies theme of World Cultures. Stories, traditions and holidays associated with world religions are included in this program.   Themes such as sacred places, sacred objects, sacred texts, and sacred leaders are explored in five major world religions.  Experiential learning is valued; students come to know and respect other traditions through their songs, prayers, dances, practices, and beliefs.  Stories and teachings help third grade students expand upon and refine their understanding of St. Anne's core values of respect, responsibility and compassion.

GRADE FOUR

    Fourth graders explore their religious and moral identity, through examination of rites of passage in major religions, the Christian sacraments and other rituals, and religions in American history as connected to social studies themes.

GRADE FIVE

    A beginning study of the Hebrew Scriptures (the Old Testament) focusing on Genesis and Exodus, and the formation of a people of God.  Special attention is given to exploring the evolving historical relationship with God in the Bible, as well as each student's personal understanding of God and the stories of the Old Testament. 

GRADE SIX

    A beginning study of the New Testament, focusing on the life and teachings of Jesus. Parallels and references to the Hebrew scriptures, such as the life of David and the prophecies of the Messiah, will also be covered.

GRADE SEVEN

    A continuing study of the New Testament, through exploration of sections of the Book of Acts and Paul's Letters, examining the formation of the Christian community and Christian ethics.   Contemporary issues and ethics will also be discussed.

GRADE EIGHT

    An introduction to the basic beliefs and practices of major world religious traditions, especially Christianity, Judaism,  Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism.  The year culminates with a field trip to the Hindu Temple, Reform Synagogue and Episcopal Cathedral, all in northern Delaware.  Guest speakers from diverse traditions are also invited to class.