CORE
St Mary’s Coptic Orthodox College (SMCO) developed the CORE curriculum to go beyond religious knowledge, connecting faith with real life from Foundation to Year 10 and nurturing students to navigate the world with clarity, hope, and a strong sense of their identity in Christ.
What is CORE?
Coptic Orthodox Religious Education (CORE) is far more valuable than a collection of facts or content delivered to students throughout their secondary years. It is not a platform to “sell” Jesus or impose doctrine, but rather an opportunity to nurture understanding and faith. At its heart, CORE supports students in developing a meaningful, life-long connection with the life of the Church.
The CORE Curriculum
The “what” of the curriculum is, in many ways, the simplest part, as it has already been entrusted to us by the Church. Through its teachings, traditions, and sacramental life, the Church provides the essential foundations for growth in our relationship with God.
Yet teaching is only one spoke in the wheel. The CORE curriculum is not limited to instruction alone; it creates space not only for learning, but for practice. As Scripture reminds us, “faith without works is dead” (James 2:26). This lived expression of faith is known as Orthopraxy – the active embodiment of Orthodox doctrine through worship, service, fellowship, and proclamation.
The 5 strands of CORE
We have organised the CORE curriculum into five main strands: Bible, Church, Faith, Identity, and Witness. In every strand, students learn what we believe, and how to live it.
Bible
Students gain a solid foundation in the Bible, including its structure, reading and referencing skills, the connection between the Old and New Testaments, and its historical credibility, while developing personal reflection and applying its teachings to life and moral challenges.
Church
This strand introduces students to the Orthodox Church, its sacraments, worship spaces, and the lives of the saints, encouraging active participation and reflection to guide their own faith journey.
Faith
Students explore the core doctrines of the Orthodox Faith, focusing on the nature of God and the Holy Trinity, while reflecting on these teachings, addressing misconceptions, and internalising their understanding of the Faith.
Identity
Students explore human identity through biblical teachings, including being created in God’s image, adoption in Christ, and their place within the Church. They reflect on their own sense of self and how their identity relates to the wider community of believers.
Witness
Students learn about living out their faith through witness and service, understanding the role of the Holy Spirit, the purpose of service, and common misconceptions. They are encouraged to participate in service opportunities, invite God’s guidance, and consider ways to continue acts of love and witness beyond the school community.
Learn More About CORE
If you’re interested in learning more about the CORE curriculum and how it supports students in connecting their faith with everyday life, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us to find out more.
