Catalyst Handbook 2019 | Page 24

Catalyst • Junior Secondary Curriculum • Handbook 2019 Core Subject Religion, Philosophy and Ethics Year 8 The teaching of Religion, Philosophy and Ethics within Guildford Grammar School supports the purpose and religious foundation of the School through an academically rigorous syllabus concerned with the production of critical thinkers, the promotion of intellectual curiosity, and the analysis and appreciation of Christian and other religious values and practice. The subject is taught in an academically rigorous fashion and with the inclusiveness expected of liberal but orthodox Anglican schooling. Compassion, empathy and service beyond self are integral elements of such education. In Term 1, Christian Theology students investigate Christian rituals and festivals, while in Term 2 they analyse issues of prejudice, including sexism, racism, ageism, and religious intolerance in the Philosophy of Religion unit. During Term 3 in Ethics the students analyse the concepts of war and peace including the “just war theory.” An understanding of the origins, history, practices and teachings of Hinduism occurs in Term 4. Throughout each semester students undertake a Service Learning unit on the environment in which, as well as addressing the many issues associated with the topic, they conduct the School’s paper recycling program. From Year 7 to Year 10 all students study a foundational program of Religion, Philosophy & Ethics which concentrates on four interrelated areas of study, ensuring the students have a broad and firm understanding of religious, philosophical and ethical issues and as such are also well prepared for the Western Australian Certificate of Education subjects, Philosophy & Ethics, and Religion, Spirituality & Life. The four streams are Christian Theology; Philosophy of Religion; Ethics, and World Religions. Year 9 In Term 1 the Christian Theology unit investigates myths, stories and parables, while in the Philosophy of Religion unit in Term 2 students discover and discuss the relationship of science and religion, including exploration of issues associated with the origins of the Universe and evolution. The Ethics unit in Term 3 provides an opportunity to investigate questions relating to poverty and wealth throughout the world while in Term 4 students develop an understanding of the origins, history, practices and teachings of Buddhism or Sikhism. Throughout each semester students undertake a Service Learning unit on charitable giving in which they are required to develop a portfolio advocating assistance for a preferred charity. Year 7 In Term 1 students are introduced to Judaism, the religion into which Jesus was born and out of which Christianity grew. Its origins, history, practices and teachings are discussed. In Term 2, the life and significance of Jesus Christ is investigated while in Term 3 the Philosophy of Religion module discusses the significance and development of symbols and stories. In Ethical Frameworks in Term 4, students consider the ethical dimensions of what it means to be a good leader and what is understood by servant leadership. A number of subjects within the Personal Learning Program discuss issues relating to Religion, Philosophy and Ethics. For additional details about these Core Religion, Philosophy & Ethics courses, please contact: The Rev’d Canon Dr Philip Raymont Head of Religion, Philosophy & Ethics (08) 9377 9245 [email protected] 24