Spotlight on Religious Education

Student-led learning: Term 4 Religion

During Term 4, students in religion have the opportunity to demonstrate their cumulative knowledge within their learning. Throughout the year, classes have developed their understanding of all things religious, whether it be connected to social justice, fundamental theology, or examples of people and scenarios which demonstrate Christian concepts and experiences. 

To finish the year, students in Year 7 independently investigate community groups which help to support some of the most vulnerable: homeless people of Brisbane. As a part of their research and inquiry, the cohort was visited by St Vincent de Paul, who shared some of the ins and outs of what the organisation does. From this, students began to investigate how organisations such as Vinnies and others help live out the Gospel Values to ensure everyone in our community is given the dignity they deserve. 

In Year 8 and 9, students were handed the reigns, working as a whole class or in small groups to develop and demonstrate rituals in action. Year 8 classes worked with the theme of ‘Identity’ creating unique and class-specific experiences with the help of their teachers. This is a wonderful way for them to celebrate their shared learning and the bonds they have formed as a class to finish their year. Year 9s were given their ‘teacher hats’ and tasked with developing presentations to share which outlined a number of religious rituals, which they then facilitated in class time. This wonderful opportunity allowed students to take responsibility for their learning, honing their communication, organisation, and research skills as they prepare for their senior years. 

Our senior years’ students were busy at work, especially our Year 11s and 12s. Year 11s are busily preparing for their first summative piece of assessment, building their expertise of the five major religions and the teachings and beliefs which inform adherent perspectives on social-ethical issues. 

Finally, we farewelled our Year 12 SOR students, who worked tirelessly right until the end with their teachers to ensure the were prepared and ready to tackle their External Exam with enthusiasm and gusto. 

We hope they achieved well and couldn’t be prouder of how this cohort of students dedicated themselves to opening their minds to the importance of understanding diverse faith-based ethical and human-rights teachings. 

Overall, Term 4 for the Religious Education faculty has been a celebration of all the excellent accomplishments of our students throughout the year.