Identity & Mission

Exploring History Through Faith: Year 9 and 10 Shaping Our Society

In terms three and four in Shaping Our Society, our Year 9 and 10 students have explored some of the most significant events that have shaped both society and the Catholic Church: the Black Death and the Protestant Reformation. Through this Religious Education unit, students have examined not just the historical facts, but also how these events influenced faith, leadership, and the way people understood the world around them.

The Black Death: Faith in a Time of Crisis

Students began by studying the devastating impact of the Black Death in the 14th century. This pandemic swept through Europe, killing millions and creating deep fear and uncertainty. In class, students explored how the Church was both a source of hope and a target of frustration during this time.

Many people turned to faith for answers, believing the plague was a punishment from God. Others began to question the Church’s authority when prayers and rituals didn’t stop the spread of disease. Students examined primary sources, discussed the Church’s response, and considered how this crisis led to significant social and religious change.

To make learning interactive, students participated in group discussions, analysed historical maps, and explored how communities and Church leaders tried to explain and respond to the plague. This helped them understand the powerful connection between faith and fear, and how historical events can reshape society’s beliefs.

The Protestant Reformation: A Church Transformed

The second major focus was the Protestant Reformation, a movement that changed Christianity forever. Students learned about Martin Luther and his famous 95 Theses, which challenged the Church’s practices and sparked a wave of reform across Europe in the 16th century.

Through inquiry-based learning, students investigated:

• Why people began questioning Church authority
• How the invention of the printing press helped spread new ideas
• How the Catholic Church responded through the Counter-Reformation

Students also examined the lasting impact of this period, including the rise of different Christian denominations and how it reshaped religious, cultural, and political life.

Connecting Past and Present

Throughout the unit, students reflected on how historical events like the Black Death and the Reformation continue to influence the world today. They considered themes of leadership, faith, resilience, and change, drawing links between the past and current global challenges.

By the end of the term, students not only gained historical knowledge but also developed a deeper understanding of how religion and society shape each other over time.

Religious Education - Music

Our performance on Brigidine Day was a huge success, with everyone remembering their parts, cues and lines for both songs. Throughout the performance everyone kept calm and collected. We kept in time, remembering our parts and what we're supposed to do at different times in the music. We were happy with our performance of The Brigid Song and Happy Earth.  The singers projected their voices across the large Gym space  while the pianos, guitars, basses and clap sticks kept the rhythm and beat together. Even though we are a very diverse group of students with different levels of experience, we all banded together and performed to the best of our abilities and in service to our College community. The Brigidine Day performance was our SAC for Outcome 1, and we passed with flying colours!

Isabelle Cresp