What's Happening

in RE Classrooms?

Year 10 Religious Education

As part of their unit on “Moral Decision Making”,  Year 10 Religious Education classes have been learning about Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Decision Making. The theory holds that moral reasoning, the basis for ethical behaviour, has six identifiable developmental stages, each more adequate at responding to moral dilemmas than its predecessor. Last week, students learnt about these six steps and then were presented with moral dilemmas in which they had to identify what decisions individuals at each stage of moral reasoning would make.

This week, students are learning about the Christian ethical teachings and how they provide a strong structure for Christians to make moral choices in their daily lives. Christian ethical teachings are important as they assist Christians in developing right relationships with God and right relationships with one’s neighbour. It is these healthy, loving relationships that build the Kingdom of God on Earth and enable the process of salvation. Students will learn about the:

• Ten Commandments, 
• The Beatitudes and
• Jesus’ Commandment of Love 

They will then demonstrate this understanding by explaining how the foundational scripture connects back and points forward to key ideas in Christianity. Students will then make connections to the Christian Steps of Informed Decision Making and Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Decision Making.

Year 12 Studies of Religion

This term both Studies of Religion 1 and 2 unit classes are studying Islam. As part of this depth study, students learn about one significant figure in Islam, Aisha bint Abu Bakr, wife of Prophet Muhammad, and analyse her impact on Muslim life today. Secondly, students learn about Islamic ethical teachings and how they can be applied to environmental issues. Finally, students learn about the significant practice of Hajj, a holy pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. This week, students demonstrated this understanding by drawing the Hajj pilgrimage in chalk in the Central Courtyard and labelling the significant rituals undertaken as part of this spiritual journey. They also identified its significance to Muslim individuals and the wider Muslim community.

Caitlin Fahey | Religious Education Coordinator