Religious Education - Key Learning Area in Focus

Religious Education Department Report 2025

The Religious Education department continues to support students in both their academic growth and spiritual development. Our curriculum remains a rich and engaging exploration of Catholic and Christian traditions, World Religions, First Nations Spiritualities, and current social justice issues. Through this program, students develop essential skills in critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and written communication—skills that prepare them for Stage 6 studies and life beyond school.

A defining strength of our RE program is its relevance to students’ lives today. By linking faith-based teachings to contemporary global and local issues, we ensure that students not only learn about religion but also understand its impact and application in the modern world.

This year, our Year 11 Studies of Religion students took part in two insightful excursions that deepened their understanding of different faiths in a real-world context. Students visited the Gallipoli Mosque in Auburn, where they were welcomed by the community and captivated by the mosque’s architecture and story. They learned about its construction, which was made possible through support from both Muslim and non-Muslim communities—a testament to interfaith collaboration and community harmony.

The Buddhist excursion took students to the Sunnataram Forest Monastery in Bundanoon, where they met the Venerable Phra Mana. Students explored key Buddhist principles such as mindfulness, compassion, and inner peace, and reflected on how these values can enrich both personal wellbeing and broader community life.

Complemented by cultural experiences, such as sharing meals at local restaurants, these excursions allowed students to engage more deeply with the religious and cultural diversity that shapes our society. Through our curriculum and experiential learning opportunities, we strive to help students reflect on life’s spiritual and moral dimensions, equipping them for the journey ahead with empathy, insight, and purpose.