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]
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