While studying for my Graduate Diploma in Primary Teaching I was given a wonderful opportunity to complete the Certificate in Catechetical Studies.
I attended Catholic primary and secondary schools and felt they gave me good values and an understanding of faith which I wanted to explore further and pass onto the next generation of students.
The Catechetical Studies course introduced me to a group of like-minded people. We spent many a Wednesday evening, debating, laughing and sharing our experiences while listening to the courses lecturers.
The course was very well organised and delivered by a team of enthusiastic and knowledgeable individuals who each brought their understanding and passion to the learning environment which kept us coming back (even during our study break!).
I have since taken the learning from this course and applied them with great success in my own classroom. Whether it has been my prayer sessions in the morning, supporting the students as they attend their own faith milestones, or in planning my RE lessons – the course gave me the confidence to pass on the ideas to my students.
I recommend the Certificate in Catechetical Studies to people of all ages and backgrounds because, in my experience, it challenges those who already have an understanding of their Catholic faith whilst also providing a starting point for those just beginning. I would like to finish by saying how this course has given me confidence in my own abilities and has also encouraged me to delve deeper into my own faith journey.
Daniel is a teacher at St Anthony's School, Seatoun, Wellington.