Religious Education

Students have been busy this term, engaging in new units of study focused on deepening their understanding of our Catholic faith through meaningful learning experiences and authentic encounters with Jesus.

Year 7 

Students have begun to explore what life was like in ancient Jerusalem in their current unit, Life and Times of Jesus. They have been learning about work, leisure, housing and daily life during the time of Jesus, while also exploring His childhood and the significant events that shaped His upbringing.

We were fortunate to welcome Seminarian Brother Patrick to our class, where he shared photos and personal stories from his trip to the Holy Lands, giving students valuable firsthand insights and a deeper understanding of the places connected to Jesus’ life and ministry.

Students are now moving on to explore Jesus’ compassion and care for those who were outcasts in society, while reflecting how they can follow in his footsteps by caring for the most vulnerable in our own communities. 

Year 8 

Students have been learning about the ways we view and experience God through their Term 2 unit, Images of God. Through reading and discussing Bible passages, students have been discovering what God reveals about Himself while developing their skills in interpreting and reflecting on Scripture.

In upcoming lessons, students will participate in workshops exploring the many ways God can be experienced in the world, including through art, music, nature, family and vocations. Students are encouraged to reflect on moments when they have felt close to God and to consider the ways they encounter Him in their lives.

Year 9 

Year 9 students have begun to study their Term 2 unit, Images of Jesus, exploring the many characteristics of Jesus as revealed in the Gospels. They are exploring Biblical depictions of Jesus, as well as portraits of Jesus throughout history and across a variety of cultures. 

Students are discussing the various roles that Jesus took during his life on earth and reflecting on how we can emulate his example in our own lives. In the coming weeks, they will create their own artwork portraying a ‘virtuous Jesus’, along with a justification explaining how their chosen virtue is reflected through Christ.

Year 10 

Students have been busy engaging in a new unit on The Eucharist, based on the new Pedagogy of Wonder and Awe, founded by theologian Luigi Giussani. 

The unit begins with an engaging introduction that sparks deep thinking and questioning, followed by explicit teaching and a range of activities designed to build understanding. Students are then given opportunities for meaningful reflection on their learning. 

We look forward to exploring the seven moments of the Mass, helping students deepen their appreciation of the Eucharist, supported by our new Mass kit provided by CEDWW. 

Year 11 and 12 Studies in Catholic Thought 

In Year 11 Studies in Catholic Thought, students have explored the teachings of Saint Paul, with a focus on his First Letter to the Corinthians and its insights into the human person. Through analysis of 1 Corinthians 6:12–20 and 12:12–27, the class examined key theological ideas such as the body as a “temple of the Holy Spirit” and the Church as the “Body of Christ.”

These lessons have challenged students to reflect on the Catholic understanding of human dignity, unity, and moral responsibility, and how these principles apply to contemporary ethical issues. Students also considered real-life examples, including Desmond Doss and Bethany Hamilton, recognising how each person has a unique and valuable role to play in serving the common good.

Year 11 Studies of Religion 

Students have been engaging in the study of the religious tradition studies of Judaism and Christianity. They have explored the deep connections between the two faiths, recognising the value of tracing the roots of Christianity back to its Abrahamic origins and gaining a richer understanding of its historical development and reflection in our faith experience today. 

The principle beliefs and ethical teachings of these religions have been examined, alongside the sacred texts, the Torah and the Bible, to uncover core teachings. Students have also been applying targeted reading strategies to enrich their learning and further develop their literacy skills, supporting our whole school approach to literacy development across the curriculum. 

Year 12 Studies of Religion 

Classes have been working on their final Religious Depth Studies of Christianity and Islam, as they progress through their HSC course. Students have examined the role of significant people, ethical teachings and practices across both religions, including, Paul of Tarsus and the significance of Marriage for Christianity as well as and Aisha bint Abu Bakr and Islamic funeral practices.

Students are continuing to refine their writing skills for short-answer and essay style responses, by studying example answers and completing guided writing activities in class. The use of the online learning platform, Atomi, is also being implemented for supported revision for our senior students.  

We look forward to another term ahead of faith- based, meaningful and thought- provoking learning in Religious Education.

Mrs Rebecca Robbins | Acting Religious Education KLA Leader