Religious Education

We have had a very positive start to 2024 in Religious Education at Mater Dei, as we welcome our bright new Year 7 students and support our existing students as they embark on new stages in their learning journey. 

Year 7

Our new Year 7 cohort have been busily exploring the concepts of Belonging and Initiation as they participate in fun-filled R.E. lessons in their new classes. The Catholic sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation are a focus in this unit, as well as initiation rites in other cultures of the world. 

Students have written a letter to their “future selves,” detailing their lives and feelings as Year 7 students in 2024. No doubt they will enjoy the gift of reading these letters when they receive them back at the completion of their studies in years to come. Year 7 were excited to present their letters in our opening school Mass as a symbol of their initiation as new members of our College community. A “Walking Tour” of the College was recently enjoyed by Year 7, as they discovered our College history and heritage.

Years 8, 9 and 10

Years 8, 9 and 10 have continued their learning in Religious Education through engaging in the units of Reconciliation, Morality, Justice and Peace, and Christianity in the Middle Ages, respectively. Students have been getting to know their new teachers and classmates while exploring the Catholic values of forgiveness and dignity, and delving into the concept of change throughout the Medieval history of the Church. 

Studies in Catholic Thought

The senior students in Studies in Catholic Thought have been participating in lesson sequences designed and inspired by the pedagogy of “Wonder and Awe”, pioneered by Luigi Guissani. This method of learning is in alignment with new developments in how we plan for and teach R.E. in the Wagga Wagga Diocese, and allows students the opportunity to deeply reflect upon their individual faith journey. 

Studies of Religion I and II Unit

Lastly, a warm welcome to our fresh Year 11 SOR students and welcome back to our existing Year 12 cohort. We continue our model of Blended Learning across our senior units, with a comprehensive collection of digital and hard copy resources. Students have enjoyed participating in teacher lead delivery of content as well as independent self-paced learning on our Canvas Module Pages. As Year 11 engages with the unit The Nature of Religion and Beliefs, they are broadening their knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal spiritualities. Year 12 are examining the religions of Christianity, Islam and Judaism through their Religious Depth Studies. 

Senior students are encouraged to come along to the SOR tutorial at the our Open Night. Students in attendance will have the invaluable opportunity to engage in teacher lead revision and writing exercises to enhance their skills in this course. 

Mrs Rebecca Robins | Acting KLA Leader of Religious Education