What is our Religious Studies Curriculum?
As we begin our year as a Catholic school in the Good Samaritan Tradition, it is important to explain our Religious Studies Curriculum. In 2023, Year 7-10 will continue to study units of work in a similar way to Catholic Systemic schools in the Wollongong and Sydney dioceses. As St Patrick’s is a community enriched by Benedictine Spiritualty, we teach our units through a specific lens informed by important Benedictine Values. Love of Neighbour is the value that will be the focus of our spiritual journey this year and will be embedded within our curriculum. The Mission section of the Faith Feed in this edition further explores Love of Neighbour.
The key topic areas for each year group in Term 1 are outlined below:
- Year 7: What it Means to be Catholic
- Year 8: The Teachings of Jesus
- Year 9: The Search for Meaning
- Year 10: Catholic Social Teaching
All students in Stage 6 undertake Studies of Religion, and while this is an academic course of study, our students benefit from learning about and understanding different religions as well as Christianity in more depth.
The key topic areas for each Stage 6 course in Term 1 are outlined below:
- Year 11 Studies of Religion I: The Nature of Religion
- Year 11 Studies of Religion II: The Nature of Religion & Religions of Ancient Origin
- Year 12 Studies of Religion I: Christianity & Religion in Australia Post 1945
- Year 12 Studies of Religion II: Judaism, Religion in Australia Post 1945 & Religion and Non-Religion
Religious diversity and tolerance are important concepts at St Patrick’s and the value of Love of Neighbour certainly requires us to love those who are “other”. Students in all year groups and courses should develop a strong understanding of the importance of such love and ways that they can be more loving. This includes the idea that our earth is our neighbour. The Laudato Si Action Group will continue to work towards goals to respond to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.
Louise Barry - Religious Studies Coordinator