Life and Faith

DAVID ELLIS

Head of Life and Faith

Life and Faith is a compulsory subject taken by all Years 7 to 12 students for two periods per week. It provides opportunities for students to develop a greater awareness of contemporary issues and to reflect upon their own spirituality. There is a significant emphasis on encouraging students to develop a moral and ethical framework from which to approach current issues, both in Australia and on a global level. Although the Anglican ethos is at our core, students are asked to consider a multitude of other perspectives so that their personal stance on issues is well informed.

The second year of the Year 7 Life and Faith curriculum has yet again proved to be engaging for our students. The year started off focusing on the traditions and spiritual life of TSS so as to help with the students’ transition to Senior School. From there students went on to explore the philosophical arguments for and against the existence of God. Other topics covered included the life of the Old Testament Prophet Moses; and factors that affect our decision-making processes, such as self-talk, resilience and multiple intelligences. It has been another busy year for Year 8 Life and Faith students, who have been investigating a wide range of challenging topics. Students have explored spirituality and how it manifests itself in different cultures and religions around the world. Next, students looked at the core teachings of Jesus, and the story of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. Additional topics studied included exploring different places and forms of worship; and reflecting upon meaning and purpose in relation to the individual. Year 9 Life and Faith has seen another successful year with students fully engaged in a wide variety of thoughtprovoking topics. Students have reflected upon how family and community influence personal identity; investigated the relevance of Old Testament heroes for today’s world; studied why believers go on pilgrimage; and explored how competition brings out the best and worst in people. This year the Year 10 Life and Faith curriculum has focused on developing students’ understanding of morality and ethics. Topics covered included studying examples of the best and worst of human nature in action; an exploration of life’s big questions through a range of scientific and religious perspectives; and a consideration of animal rights by investigating human attitudes to animals and their treatment.

Year 11 Life and Faith has seen the continuation of developing criticalthinking skills so students are well equipped to approach ethical issues in the contemporary world. Topics covered included studying heroes and role models; investigating medical ethics; and developing an awareness of Islam and the challenges facing Muslims today. The Year 12 Life and Faith curriculum has focused on themes associated with our students turning into young men. Topics covered included studying the challenges facing adolescent males in Australia, and developing an awareness of an individual’s rights and responsibilities once they turn 18. Students were also required to reflect upon the relevance of Jesus’ core teaching for today’s world and what ‘mateship’ means to them.

Generally, 2014 has been another highly successful year for Life and Faith. The Faculty continues to engage all students through the use of technology, and encourages student innovation and creativity in lessons. 2015 will be another rewarding year for all, especially with the roll-out of a new Year 7 curriculum.