Religious Education - Year 9

Course Description and Outline

In Year 9 students learn that people have human yearnings and these yearnings ultimately lead to the person of Jesus and the Catholic Church which He established. The First Semester explores the common questions and yearnings known as human heart questions. They learn that the Magisterium guides Catholics in living out the Gospel. Semester Two examines the Christian concept of salvation and response to human emotions and the need for love. They recognise that Christians are called to share in the mission of Jesus by following God's laws. Students will be challenged to explore a variety of spiritual, moral and social issues through the following topics:

TERM 1: THE HUMAN SEARCH FOR TRUTH

  • Human heart questions
  • Jesus answers questions of the human heart
  • The Church's Magisterium
  • Development of the Bible
  • How to read the Bible
  • Jesus as the Messiah

TERM 2: PEOPLE GROW STRONGER SPIRITUALLY

  • Young people discover new spiritual experiences
  • People can develop spiritual relationships
  • People find it hard to develop spirituality
  • God the Father and Jesus sent the Holy Spirit
  • Jesus revealed how to draw on the strength of the Holy Spirit
  • The Blessed Virgin Mary was filled with the Holy Spirit

TERM 3: PEOPLE CAN ACHIEVE EMOTIONAL PEACE

  • Human emotions
  • Jesus promises salvation
  • Sacraments and Commandments
  • Sin and how God helps people to overcome it
  • Sacraments of healing - penance & anointing

TERM 4: CHRISTIAN LOVE AND SEXUALITY

  • The gift of Sexuality
  • Developing a Healthy Sexuality
  • Jesus promises the power of divine love
  • God empowers people to live chaste lives
  • God calls people to develop a healthy sexuality
  • God's plan for married love

Assessments

This course is Skill-based with individual and group assessments. There are a variety of tasks to challenge the students as they strive to demonstrate their understanding of the Topics covered. The following types of assessments and weightings is as follows:

Topic Tests: 20% | In-class Essays: 20% | Investigation: 25% | Examinations: 40%

Topic tests includes source analysis and short answers. Investigations may include research, oral and audio-visual presentations using ICT. All students will sit an examination at the end of each Semester as well as the Bishop's Religious Literacy Assessment in Term Three.

Reporting

An interim report on class work and behaviour will be issued towards the end of Term 1. The achievement for the unit will be reported as a College A - E grade. In addition, the student's approach to class work and behaviour will be reported via the usual key performance indicators.

Student Expectations - Homework

Students will be expected to complete approximately 90 minutes of homework each week. This time should be spent consolidating material covered in class as well as any assigned tasks.