>>Curriculum Resources >>Overview
OVERVIEW
The 3rd Edition of the curriculum series Christ our Light and Life is designed for use as the main resource of Special Religious Education (SRE) for Catholic children attending public schools. The series is for parents, priests, catechists and others involved in the ministry of Special Religious Education. This series will be most effective in teaching contexts committed to the Gospel of Christ, to Sacred Tradition, and to the magisterium of Christ’s Church.
The Christ our Light and Life series aims to provide an environment in which young children may fall ‘in love’ with Jesus the Good Shepherd and develop a real relationship with him. They will discover both personal union with God, and their membership of a Church established by God. They will learn how to become like their Saviour – in the home, in school, in the parish and in the world. Christian virtue and Christian truth become the foundation for the whole of life.
The Christ our Light and Life is informed by the following practical principles:
- Formation in faith is a life-long journey. Life itself is the context of any religious education program;
- The needs of students change over time. Therefore, a variety of teaching methods are required over time;
- The students’ lives influence their expressions of faith. Thus catechists’ teaching strategies will respond to and respect the cultural diversity of students and their families;
- The family is the basic community of the Church. Links between the home, parish and school are discovered and encouraged.
FOUNDATIONAL CATECHETICAL GOALS
“The definitive aim of catechesis is to put people not only in touch, but also in communion and intimacy, with Jesus Christ, and by him to be led to the love of the Father in the Spirit and share in the life of the Holy Trinity.” (John Paul II, Catechesi Tradendae, 5)
The Foundational Catechetical Goals are derived directly from the General Directory for Catechesis (GDC, 1997). They are the six fundamental tasks of catechesis which drive the whole program.
The purpose of catechesis is as follows:
- To create an initial conversion to or deepening awareness of Jesus Christ, moved by the Holy Spirit, through a primary proclamation of the Gospel [85]
- To create a deepening knowledge of Jesus Christ through Scripture and Tradition [85]
- To celebrate the salvific presence of Christ in the Sacraments, particularly the Eucharist [85]
- To challenge students to undertake a journey of interior transformation, taking the Decalogue and impressing on it the spirit of the Beatitudes, as Christ taught us in the Sermon on the Mount [85]
- To challenge students to permeate their lives with a spirit of prayer, so as to discover the mysterious action of God, who gives us strength in our weakness [85]
- To learn to cooperate actively in building up the Church and its work of evangelisation [86]
Catechists serve Jesus Christ as they pass on the Word in Scripture and Tradition to the young. Faithful to this Revelation, they are called to:
- Transmit the Gospel message and a maturity in faith - spiritual, liturgical, sacramental and apostolic;
- Provide clear doctrine, according to the teachings of the Catholic Church;
- Seek to understand revealed truths more deeply in their own lives so they can be a living witness to truth;
- Help the students make sense of their lives through Jesus Christ, who is the Revelation of God;
- Convey a sense of the nature of Christianity as a lived experience;
- Help students appreciate the relevance of the Sacraments in life’s journey towards eternal life;
- Convey a real sense of how Jesus wished his followers and all people to live their lives;
- Respect the relationship between God and the child;
- Be a servant of a message that is not their own, and, together with the child, humbly listen to God’s word;
- Treat students, right from the start, as persons known and loved by God, belonging to a community of believers;
- Foster each student’s positive self-esteem, well-being, competence and unique potential;
- Believe that all students have the capacity to learn and should be treated justly and equitably.
“The communication of faith in catechesis is an event of grace, realised in the encounter of the word of God with the experience of the person.” (GDC #150)
Catechesis requires a meeting of the word of God with the experience of the person. God’s Word, as expressed in Scripture and Tradition, must touch a person’s life-experience for catechesis to occur. In this way a student integrates the Catholic faith with his or her personal experience.
There are then two beginning places for catechesis: the faith of the Catholic Church (faith) and human experience (life).
BEGINNING WITH FAITH: DEDUCTIVE METHOD
This method starts with the presentation of facts, and the application of those facts to personal life. These facts are derived from Scripture, Tradition, and the treasury of Church teaching. The truths of Christianity are drawn from these facts, absorbed by the mind, and integrated into personal life.
BEGINNING WITH HUMAN EXPERIENCE: INDUCTIVE METHOD
This method begins with life experience and enlightens that experience with the Word of God. This process reasons from the part to the whole – from subjective personal experience to objective universal truths, which, once understood, are reclaimed by the individual to enrich and educate that personal subjectivity.
Both catechetical methods are needed, and one method does not exclude the other. Just as revealed truths must be applied to life, life must be illumined with truth. Catechesis must unite faith with life. A number of activities are suggested, from which teachers select those which best suit their choice of inductive or deductive teaching.
“The family, which has the primary duty of imparting education, needs the help of the whole community.” Pope Paul VI, (Gravissimum Educationis, 3 1965)
A key aim of the new curriculum series Christ our Light and Life is to promote the central place of parents and to support them in fulfilling their responsibilities for the faith formation and education of their children (cf. CCC, 2225-2226)
Families are the basic community of the Church. The parents of students in our schools and parishes are part of the whole Catholic community that has as an essential element of its mission the education in faith of its children. While it is not always possible for parents alone to educate their children in faith, they can, and should be an important part of the community that educates them.
The Christ our Light and Life series has included at the end of the Student Activity Book a series of eight ‘Extension Activities’ which families might use to supplement and continue the lessons learned at school. It is an acknowledgement of the role of parents as first educators of their children and the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine encourages and supports them in this role.
The family is the foundational unit of the Church, an integral part of the whole Catholic community.
Each family is called:
- to accept and live the Catholic Faith;
- to mature in faith and become an evangelising community;
- to love, nurture and serve each other;
- to participate in the development of society;
- to share in the life and mission of the Church.
As part of the whole Church, families are to be supported by the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine in the education in faith of their members.
The Christ our Light and Life series:
- strives to affirm and strengthen family life;
- acknowledges the many different situations of families today;
- encourages and models a commitment to faith.
THE STUDENT ACTIVITY BOOK
The Student Activity Book contains:
- 32 sequenced lesson worksheets;
- 8 Extension Activity Sheets. These pages are perforated, enabling them to be taken home at the end of each lesson. These pages contain information for the parents as well as activities for the students to complete;
- Treasury of Prayers;
- Values for Australian Schools.
The Student Activity Book has been prepared to accommodate either composite or non-composite classes. For example, Middle Primary (Stage 2) is aimed at years 3 and 4; that is, it is appropriate for children aged 8 - 10. In a composite class, the ‘a’ and ‘b’ text cycles are used in alternate years, so that students have a different book for each year and will thus cover the whole curriculum for the Middle Primary level. The same will occur with Junior Primary (Stage 1) and Senior Primary (Stage 3).'
THE TEACHER’S MANUAL
The Teacher’s Manual contains:
- Scope and Sequence document;
- Doctrinal Overview;
- 32 sequenced lesson plans;
- A Christmas Play;
- Glossary.
The Teacher’s Manual is a professional guide for helping catechists in their preparation and delivery of SRE lessons.
CCD WEBSITE
The CCD Sydney website has been developed to offer further assistance to catechists providing supplementary curriculum resources and relevant web-site links. Resources offered will include materials for the practical and professional learning of catechists. www.ccdsydney.catholic.edu.au
An essential element of the Christ our Light and Life series is the reading of the Word of God in Scripture. Here we must revere the power and mystery of the Word of God. None of us can ever grasp the full meaning of a scriptural text, but by reading the Word of God reverently, slowly and reflectively, we bring the children into its mystery. At this age, most of them will not object or ask what every word means, but they will absorb in a deeply spiritual way the power of God’s Word. They will begin to learn how to breathe the “atmosphere” of the Scriptures. They will gain a sense of Scripture that we hope will develop and grow through all the years ahead of them in the catechetical journey.
When reading the Scriptures to the children from an officially authorised translation, the catechist may wish to add an explanation if the meaning is not clear to the students. Let us never lose sight of the power of God’s Word proclaimed in the community of faith under the guidance of the Holy Spirit!
Students need to become familiar with the story of God’s people through the telling and reading of Scripture, and have opportunities to reflect on the Scriptures in relation to their own lives.
The Sacred Scriptures are the living Word of God, read by believers through the eyes of faith. In interpreting the texts of Scripture, we are called to ‘be attentive to what the human authors truly wanted to affirm and to what they wanted to reveal to us by their words’ (cf. Dei Verbum 12).
The Prayer Place is an area of the classroom set aside to be used during Special Religious Education lessons. It contains all the materials and resources used in religious education. The area is re-created/re-decorated for each lesson, according to the theme. The students are taught to respect the Prayer Place and to care for it.
The Prayer Place can contain:
the Bible;
- Models of objects used in the Church’s worship;
- Models of people and objects from the time of Christ;
- Booklets of parables and stories of Jesus;
- Icons, crucifix, colourful posters of Jesus’ life and stories;
- Pictures/posters relating to the theme of each lesson.
Catechists have a responsibility not only to teach their students about faith, but also to provide opportunities for them to experience a living faith through participation in prayer and liturgy. Since the law of prayer is the law of faith, the methods by which we pray and worship will affect and reflect the depth or otherwise of our understanding of God.
Prayer is:
- The raising of the mind and heart to God;
- Being open to a relationship with God;
- Our response to God’s invitation to this relationship of love and communion;
- Placing one’s life, as a whole person, before God, aware of one’s own needs and those of others and the world;
- Providing a diversity of experiences, which might include vocal, meditative, contemplative.
GOD, THE HOLY TRINITY: The content strand God, the Holy Trinity enables students to become aware of the mystery of the one God as a Trinity of three distinct Persons – Father, Son and Holy Spirit: the Father as the first Person known to the Hebrews in Old Testament times; the second Person, Jesus Christ, true God and true man; and the Holy Spirit, the third Person sent by the Father and the Son at Pentecost. The relationship between these three Persons is explored and understood, as well as their attributed roles of Creator, Redeemer and Sanctifier.
CREATION: The content strand Creation enables students to appreciate the goodness and interconnectedness of all creation. All creatures reflect God in his perfections. The levels of creation are examined, distinguishing between matter and spirit, plants and animals, humans and angels. An in-depth study is made of the human person, created in the image and likeness of God. The human person is constituted of body and soul, with the spiritual powers of intelligence and free will. These spiritual powers are the crown of human dignity, and bring with them moral responsibility. Part of human responsibility is to care for and nurture God’s good creation. Finally, the ‘Last Things’ are explored, with an emphasis on how creation will find its consummation in Christ, and how the human person is destined to everlasting life in God’s heavenly Kingdom.
THE CHURCH: The content strand The Church enables students to appreciate the mystery of Christ’s ‘Mystical Body’, and its mission to continue Christ’s work of teaching, governing and sanctifying. Aspects of the Church examined include the Magisterium, or teaching Church, the role of Sacred Scripture and Tradition, the Liturgy, the Sacraments, the works of the Church, discipleship and mission, the Church in heaven (Mary and the Saints) and the Church suffering (Purgatory). The Church is the People of God, the Body of Christ, comprising clergy, religious and laity. Students are invited to a deeper appreciation and participation in the life and mission of the Church.
THE LITURGY AND THE LITURGICAL YEAR: The content strand The Liturgy and the Liturgical Year aims to give students an understanding of the nature of the Liturgy, its importance and centrality in Christian public worship. Within this, emphasis is given to provide a deeper appreciation of the Eucharist and the Divine Office, inviting students to a greater level of active and fruitful participation. The sacraments are presented as visible channels of grace, established by Christ to impart his life to us. Exploration is also made of the Liturgical Year and how it presents the great events of the Christian message to the People of God, especially Advent/Christmas, Lent/Holy Week and Easter/Pentecost, as well as commemorating the lives of inspirational men and women recognised as Saints by the Church.
THE MORAL LIFE: The content strand The Moral Life presents the moral law as taught by Christ in the Sermon on the Mount. The Commandments and Beatitudes are presented as the law of love and perfection, binding on all. This life cannot be practised without grace, which is obtained ordinarily through prayer and the sacraments. Students are introduced to different forms of prayer, and invited to incorporate prayer into their lives. Students are also invited to discern their vocations through prayer and counsel. Finally, issues of moral importance are discussed, presenting the Church’s teaching on such topics as the family, chastity, respect for life, respect for property, respect for truth and for the good name of others.
SYLLABUS OUTCOMES FOR KINDERGARTEN
| Values and Attitudes | Knowledge | Skills |
| It is intended that the students will be able to: | It is intended that the students will be able to: | It is intended that the students will be able to: |
| GOD, THE HOLY TRINITY | ||
| develop an awareness and appreciation of God’s love for us | identify that God is Father, Son and Holy Spirit | demonstrate the Sign of the Cross and pray in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit |
| develop an awareness and appreciation of Jesus as the Good Shepherd | communicate basic knowledge about Jesus | demonstrate through word, symbol or art the ways in which Jesus is the Good Shepherd, loving and caring for us |
| CREATION | ||
| develop an awareness and appreciation of God making each of us a special person | communicate that they are created and loved by God | demonstrate through word, symbol or art impressions of self |
| show and develop a sense of wonder and awe for the gift of God’s creation | describe various aspects of God’s creation, including people, plants and animals | demonstrate through word, symbol or art an appreciation for “our wonderful world” |
| THE CHURCH | ||
| develop an awareness and appreciation of the Bible as the Church’s book and to know that we should listen to its stories with reverence | identify principal figures from the Bible both the Old and New Testaments | listen and respond to Scripture stories through word, symbol or art |
| develop an awareness and appreciation that they belong to God’s family, the Church | identify the Church as a community of believers who gather to pray and celebrate | Identify key features of their classroom prayer place and of the church building. |
| LITURGICAL YEAR | ||
| develop an awareness and appreciation of the major Seasons and celebrations in the Church’s liturgical year | identify how the Seasons of Advent, Christmas and Easter relate to the life of Jesus Christ | demonstrate through word, symbol or art a personal response to Advent, Christmas and Easter |
| develop an awareness and appreciation of Sunday as the Lord’s Day | identify that Sunday is a time to gather with other members of God’s family for liturgy | demonstrate through word, symbol or art a growing familiarity with the symbols and rituals of the Mass |
| THE MORAL LIFE | ||
| develop an awareness and appreciation of Jesus wanting us to love and care for others | list the ways in which Jesus loved and cared for others and identify his call to “Come, follow me” | demonstrate through word, symbol or art the ways in which Jesus’ actions can be applied to our own lives |
| develop an awareness and appreciation of prayer, especially the communal experience of liturgy | express an understanding that God is always with us | pray personally and communally prayers that are both traditional and spontaneous |
SYLLABUS OUTCOMES FOR STAGE 1 (YEARS 1 & 2)
| Values and Attitudes | Knowledge | Skills |
| It is intended that the students will be able to: | It is intended that the students will be able to: | It is intended that the students will be able to: |
| GOD, THE HOLY TRINITY | ||
| develop an awareness and appreciation of God’s love for us | list some of the ways God shows he loves us | demonstrate through word, symbol or art a personal response to God’s love for us |
| develop an awareness and appreciation of Jesus as the Son of God who leads us to the Father | identify examples from Gospel stories of how Jesus leads us to the Father | listen and respond to Scripture stories about Jesus through word, symbol or art |
| CREATION | ||
| develop an awareness and appreciation of God making the world to show his love for us | identify and describe the many different aspects of God’s creation, including people, plants and animals | develop and/or articulate prayers of thanks to God for the gift of creation |
| demonstrate an understanding of their responsibility to respect themselves, others and all creation | identify that God created humankind in his own image | demonstrate through word, symbol or art a response to the Genesis account of the creation of humankind |
| THE CHURCH | ||
| develop an awareness and appreciation of God speaking to us in the Bible and through the Church | identify examples of how God speaks and acts through the Church | demonstrate basic knowledge and understanding of Jesus and his teachings |
| develop an awareness and appreciation of holy people and saints as people who reflect God’s goodness | recognise the role of Mary in the life of Jesus | demonstrate through word, symbol or art Mary’s significance to each of us and to the Church |
| LITURGICAL YEAR | ||
| develop an awareness and appreciation of the major Seasons and celebrations in the Church’s liturgical year | identify that Advent is a time when we wait and prepare for the birth of Jesus | explore and describe practical ways through which we can prepare for the birth of Jesus |
| develop an awareness and appreciation of the knowledge that in the liturgy, we gather, listen and respond to God’s word | identify and describe the major parts of the Mass (Liturgy of the Word, Liturgy of the Eucharist) | dentify key symbols, signs and rituals of the Catholic Tradition |
| THE MORAL LIFE | ||
| develop an awareness and appreciation of the knowledge that when we sin we are not living the way Jesus taught us | dentify Christian ways of relating to others |
distinguish between what is right and wrong, applying this knowledge to life situations |
| develop an awareness and appreciation of Jesus wanting us to pray often, at any time and in any place |
identify that prayer is loving, speaking, listening and singing to God, recognising that in the Our Father Jesus taught us how to pray | compose and pray simple prayers of thanks, praise and sorrow |
SYLLABUS OUTCOMES FOR STAGE 2 (YEARS 3 & 4)
| Values and Attitudes | Knowledge | Skills |
| It is intended that the students will be able to: | It is intended that the students will be able to: | It is intended that the students will be able to: |
| GOD, THE HOLY TRINITY | ||
develop an awareness and appreciation of God’s love and forgiveness |
identify scripture stories that speak of God’s forgiveness | demonstrate through word, symbol or art a personal response to God’s love and forgiveness |
| develop an awareness and appreciation of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection revealing God’s love for us | identify Gospel stories in which Jesus shows God’s love for people | listen and respond to Scripture stories about Jesus through word, symbol or art |
| CREATION | ||
| develop an awareness and appreciation of the importance of caring for all creation. | Describe ways in which all creation can be cared for | dentify ways they can care for God’s creation |
| develop an awareness and appreciation of God creating us with a body and soul | define in their own words and discuss the meaning of free will | examine recent choices they have made, giving consideration to their use of free will |
| THE CHURCH | ||
| develop an awareness and appreciation of the Church being the People of God | identify members who build up the Church and spread the Good News of Jesus Christ | examine practical ways in which they, as members of the Church, can spread the Good News of Jesus Christ |
develop an awareness and appreciation of the lives of love and service led by saints (including Mary and the canonised Saints) |
identify that Saints say “Yes” to God by following in the footsteps of Jesus | demonstrate through word, symbol or art a personal response to the life stories of selected Saints, identifying how they can be models for their own lives |
| LITURGICAL YEAR | ||
| develop an awareness and appreciation of relevance of the Scriptures to the Liturgical Year | name the days of Holy Week and Easter and explain their meaning and significance for Christians | listen and respond to Scripture interpret demonstrating through word, symbol or art the significant events in the life of Jesus |
| develop an awareness and appreciation of Jesus’ presence when we celebrate the Mass | identify the four ways in which Jesus is present in the Mass | listen and respond to the words of the consecration distinguishing that Jesus is with us in a special way through the “Real Presence” |
| THE MORAL LIFE | ||
| develop an awareness and appreciation of Jesus giving us a new commandment to “love God and love one another” | identify that Jesus’ new commandment to “love God and love one another” is a summary of the commandments | examine practical ways of applying Jesus’ new law to “love God and love one another” to their own lives |
develop an awareness and appreciation of the commandments teaching us to live good lives as God |
identify that Jesus’ new commandment to “love God and love one another” is a summary of the Ten Commandments | examine practical ways of living out the commandments, reflecting upon recent decisions and actions |
SYLLABUS OUTCOMES FOR STAGE 3 (YEARS 5 & 6)
| Values and Attitudes | Knowledge | Skills |
| It is intended that the students will be able to: | It is intended that the students will be able to: |
It is intended that the students will be able to: |
| GOD, THE HOLY TRINITY | ||
| develop an awareness and appreciation of the Trinity as the name given to the three persons in one God | name the persons of the Blessed Trinity and identify other titles by which God is known | listen and respond to Scripture stories identifying images and titles of the persons of the Trinity |
| develop an awareness and appreciation of the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit | identify and describe the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit | examine ways in which they can nurture the fruits of the Holy Spirit in their own lives |
| CREATION | ||
| develop an awareness and appreciation of the significance of stewardship | identify how human beings have misused/mistreated God’s creation and explain how stewardship can remedy this | examine practical ways of being stewards of creation so that they may be able to apply these actions to their own lives |
| develop an awareness and appreciation of God guiding creation towards perfection | identify that only God can create from nothing | demonstrate through word, symbol or art a personal response to the magnificence and perfection of God’s creation |
| THE CHURCH | ||
| develop an awareness and appreciation of the knowledge that Jesus instituted seven sacraments through which we receive grace | explain how word, symbol and ritual are used in sacramental celebrations |
group the sacraments appropriately and match them with their rituals and symbols |
develop an awareness and appreciation of the Catholic Church in Australia having a special story |
explore the traditions, beliefs and history which are important to the life of the Catholic Church |
research the history of the Catholic Church in Australia, analysing the influence of key people and events |
| LITURGICAL YEAR | ||
| develop an awareness and appreciation of some of the major Seasons and celebrations in the Church’s liturgical year | identify that Lent is a time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving when we are challenged to live more like Jesus | examine practical ways of being able to live more like Jesus |
| develop an awareness and appreciation of the beliefs and traditions which are expressed in the story of the Catholic Church | identify and summarise the main components of the celebration of the Mass | reflect on and discuss how we gain strength as a community celebrating the Mass together |
| THE MORAL LIFE | ||
| develop an awareness and appreciation of their responsibility to live according to the values of Jesus | explain the consequences of living according to the values of Jesus | analyse their own actions according to the values of Jesus |
develop an awareness and appreciation of the Beatitudes being central to Jesus’ teachings and that they express his plan for our happiness in this world and the next |
describe ways in which the People of God reach out, and fail to reach out to others | examine practical ways of practising and nurturing the actions of the Beatitudes |
SYLLABUS OUTCOMES FOR STAGE 4 (YEARS 7 & 8)
| Values and Attitudes | Knowledge | Skills |
| It is intended that the students will be able to: | It is intended that the students will be able to: |
It is intended that the students will be able to: |
GOD, RELIGION AND LIFE |
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| be open to different ways that Catholics express their relationship with God | identify rites and cultural expressions of the Catholic Church | demonstrate significant ways Catholics relate to God |
| be aware of God’s creativity experienced in human activity | describe how God is active in all creation | identify a range of expressions of God’s presence in the world |
SCRIPTURE AND JESUS |
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| appreciate the vitality and potential of narratives, events and stories and the variety of books, people and messages contained in the Scriptures | describe the nature of narratives, events and stories and the structure of the Bible | locate and interact with narratives, events and stories and passages in the Old and New Testaments |
| appreciate the regional diversity of Israel at the time of Jesus, and differences in customs and social groups | identify the geography, customs and social groups at the time of Jesus | analyse stories about Jesus in terms of their cultural and historical background |
THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY |
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| value the variety of practices, activities and people in the Church | describe the range of activities and people involved in ministry in the Catholic Church |
explore possible ways of being actively involved in the mission of the Church |
be aware of the commitment and vision of the men and women in the early Christian communities |
describe important events and personalities of the early Christian communities |
use historical sources to interpret early Church history |
PRAYER, LITURGY AND SACRAMENTS |
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be open to the meaning and significance of the Eucharist |
describe the development, structure and significance of the Eucharist | analyse elements of the Eucharist and its place as the central focus of worship for Catholics |
| value those signs, symbols and rituals which guide and enrich their own and other people’s lives | describe sign, symbol and ritual, the nature of the sacraments, and rituals associated with the sacraments of initiation | classify examples of sign, symbol, ritual and sacrament |
| THE MORAL LIFE | ||
| appreciate the many influences that affect moral decision-making | identify the various aspects in the formation of Christian ideals and decisions | assess the extent to which moral character has an impact on the process of making choices |
value the relevance of the teachings of Jesus to contemporary society and life experiences |
identify ways in which Christians live lives of discipleship in accordance with the ideals and values of Jesus | apply the teachings and ideals of Jesus to contemporary life situations |
SYLLABUS OUTCOMES FOR STAGE 5 (YEARS 9 & 10)
| Values and Attitudes | Knowledge | Skills |
| It is intended that the students will be able to: | It is intended that the students will be able to: |
It is intended that the students will be able to: |
GOD, RELIGION AND LIFE |
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appreciate what Christians share in common and the quest for Christian unity |
identify the different beliefs and practices of the major Christian denominations | compare the beliefs and practices of various Christian denominations |
| understanding good triumphs over evil | identify the elements of good and evil in personal and group experiences | investigate experiences of good and evil in life and in the Scriptures |
SCRIPTURE AND JESUS |
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| appreciate the breadth and nature of the Scriptures, and the variety of literary styles and objectives of their writers | recognise the types of writing contained in the Old and New Testaments | distinguish between literal and figurative language |
| appreciate the relevance of the teachings of Jesus to their lives | identify the main elements of one synoptic Gospel’s portrayal of Jesus | apply Gospel themes to a variety of modern day situations |
THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY |
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appreciate the relevance of the Church’s teachings to their lives |
identify key teachings of the Catholic Church, especially those found in the Nicene Creed |
use religious language in relation to beliefs and practices of the Catholic Church |
appreciate the relevance of a theme or historical period to the life and mission of the Church today |
demonstrate knowledge of the key aspects of an important theme or period within Church history |
pose questions, research and communicate information about key aspects of an important theme or period in Church history |
PRAYER, LITURGY AND SACRAMENTS |
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| develop an awareness and appreciation of the major Seasons and celebrations in the Church’s liturgical year | identify how the Seasons of Christmas and Easter relate to the life of Jesus Christ | demonstrate through word, symbol or art a personal response to, Christmas and Easter |
value the need for reconciliation and healing as unifying forces for the community |
explain the importance of the sacraments of Penance and Anointing of the Sick in the Catholic tradition |
prepare specific aspects of liturgies and prayers relating to the sacraments of healing |
| THE MORAL LIFE | ||
appreciate the need for personal moral convictions |
identify ways in which individuals develop personal responsibility and moral maturity | analyse situations which require moral decision-making |
be open to the wisdom of the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes |
demonstrate understanding of the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes as guides for living the Christian life | apply the teachings of the Ten Commandments and Beatitudes to a variety of life situations |
SYLLABUS OUTCOMES FOR STAGE 6 (YEARS 11 & 12)
| Values and Attitudes | Knowledge | Skills |
| It is intended that the students will be able to: | It is intended that the students will be able to: |
It is intended that the students will be able to: |
GOD, RELIGION AND LIFE |
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appreciate how religion explores and explains the enduring questions of human life and experience |
describe the religious dimension of human experience and the variety of ways in which people express their relationship with God | pose questions and research and communicate answers given by religions to fundamental human realities |
appreciate the tension which exists between good and evil |
identify aspects of good and evil, as expressed in personal actions and local, national and global issues | using contemporary case studies, analyse the impact of good and evil |
SCRIPTURE AND JESUS |
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| appreciate developments in the Church’s understanding of Jesus and his teachings | describe various theological perspectives on Jesus Christ from the New Testament to the present | apply an authentic Catholic approach to the interpretation of Scripture |
| respect the role and significance of women in the Scriptures and in the Christian communities | recognise the place of Mary in Scripture, history and Tradition |
think critically about the role and significance of women in the contemporary Church and world |
THE CHURCH AND COMMUNITY |
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| appreciate the importance of commitment to one's own tradition as a way of making meaning of human experience | demonstrate knowledge of the principal beliefs, rituals and ethical teachings of Catholicism |
articulate and synthesise the principal beliefs, rituals and ethical teachings of the Catholic Church |
be open to involvement in leadership and service activities |
distinguish the place of leadership, mission and ministry in the life of the Church |
appreciate the call to leadership and other forms of service for the baptised |
PRAYER, LITURGY AND SACRAMENTS |
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| identify and explore the essential elements which enable human beings to make mature choices and commitments | explain the significance of the celebrations of the Sacraments of Marriage and Orders | analyse and explain elements of sacrament, ritual and prayer in the celebration of the sacraments at the service of communion |
| respect the Church’s tradition of prayer and liturgy | demonstrate understanding of prayer and liturgy and its place in the life of the individual and the community | participate with the Church community in the preparation and celebration of prayer and liturgy |
| THE MORAL LIFE | ||
| appreciate how individuals can make positive contributions to their own lives and the lives of others | explain the place of compassion and justice in the way the followers of Jesus are called to live | apply principles of virtue, especially justice and compassion, to one’s decisions and actions |
value the role of the Church’s teaching in giving moral guidance to personal and moral issues |
identify the impact of the Church’s teaching on a range of personal and social issues | develop strategies for dealing with complex situations and making moral decisions |
SCOPE AND SEQUENCE
Kindergarten |
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STRAND God, The Holy Trinity |
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STRAND Creation |
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STRAND The Church |
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STRAND Liturgical Year |
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STRAND The Mass |
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STRAND The Moral Life |
|
Year 1 |
Year 2 |
|
STRAND God, The Holy Trinity |
|
|
STRAND Creation |
|
|
STRAND The Church |
|
|
STRAND Liturgical Year |
|
|
STRAND The Mass |
|
|
STRAND The Moral Life |
|
|
Year 3 |
Year 4 |
|
STRAND God, The Holy Trinity |
|
|
STRAND Creation |
|
|
STRAND The Church |
|
|
STRAND Liturgical Year |
|
|
STRAND The Mass |
|
|
STRAND The Moral Life |
|
|
Year 5 |
Year 6 |
|
STRAND God, The Holy Trinity |
|
|
STRAND Creation |
|
|
STRAND The Church |
|
|
STRAND Liturgical Year |
|
|
STRAND The Moral Life |
|
|
