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 range of other perspectives so that their personal stance on issues is well informed.

This year the Year 7 Life and Faith syllabus has focused on developing a basic knowledge and understanding of the whole person. Year 7 students have explored what it means to be human by investigating the three parts that make up the whole person – the human body, the human intellect and the human spirit. Understanding one’s self builds a solid foundation from which to examine human relationships with other human beings and the environment around us. Year 8 Life and Faith students have been reflecting upon the application and implications of human powers. Students have looked at how human powers, physical, mental and spiritual, can be both used and abused. Year 8s have also considered how their perspective influences their place in a range of different contexts. Last, students explored a religious perspective on the meaning and purpose of life by investigating a global religion of their choice.

The Year 9 Life and Faith syllabus has centred on developing an awareness of and empathy for a diverse range of both religious and non-religious world views. Students have also been furthering their religious knowledge through the study of the Abrahamic religions. Year 9 students have been examining Judaism, Christianity and Islam in the context of faith, history and identity. All students are given the opportunity to consider the role these religions have had in developing the modern world and how believers interact today. This year the Year 10 Life and Faith students have been developing a framework from which they can understand issues pertaining to morality and ethics. Topics covered included researching case studies involving racism and discrimination; a consideration of animal rights by investigating human attitudes to animals and their treatment; an exploration of Buddhist and Hindu world views; and examining the work of NGOs in improving peoples’ quality of life.

Year 11 Life and Faith has seen the continuation of developing critical thinking skills so students are well equipped to approach ethical issues in the contemporary world. Topics covered included reflecting upon what it means to be a man of honour; investigating medical ethics; exploring forgiveness and reconciliation; and studying social heroes.

The Year 12 Life and Faith syllabus has centred on several themes pertinent to the development of our Year12s into young men. Students have explored the concept of truth through its application to a wide range of social issues, and by evaluating the implications of telling the ‘truth’. Year 12s have also considered the role of love in their lives and examined case studies involving social responsibility. Finally, students reflected on the code of behaviour that they live by in the present and the near future. Overall, 2015 has been another highly successful year for Life and Faith. The Faculty continues to engage all students through the use of technology, and encourage student innovation and creativity in lessons. 2016 will be another rewarding year for all.