CARE

Common Unit

Unit Description - Semester 1

Belonging: Our Shared Identiy and Stories

Students begin their study of CARE (Community and Religious Education) in Middle School with a focus on the theme of belonging. They delve into the concept of belonging and its significance within a community. They explore key concepts and ideas that feature throughout the Year 7 to 10 CARE curriculum and develop a skills-based approach to the study.

In Semester 1, students will study the life and work of William Carey, a significant figure in history, as they consider the impact of his life on shaping our school identity. Through a biographical study of William Carey, students will examine his achievements and contributions, and reflect on the relevance of his life to their own sense of belonging and identity.

In Term 2, students will explore the Bible as a text and gain skills in reading and analyzing its content. They will learn how to effectively engage with the Bible, understand its context, and interpret its messages. Through this study, students will develop critical thinking and analytical skills while deepening their understanding of the biblical narratives and their relevance to personal and communal faith.

By the end of Semester 1, students will have enhanced their literacy proficiency, and developed critical and reflective thinking abilities. They will have a greater understanding of the concept of belonging, the life and work of William Carey, and the use of the Bible as a source of spiritual and moral guidance.

Unit Description - Semester 2

Introduction to Christianity and Morality

Students begin Semester 2 with an introduction to Morality. In Term 3, students will explore the concept of morality, focussing on its meaning and role throughout history. They will examine different perspectives on morality and consider what influences their own moral compass. Students will reflect on how their beliefs and values shape the individual decisions they make and how these decisions impact themselves and others. They will also learn about key moral teachings and engage in a decision-making process to guide them in making moral choices. Through this unit, students will develop critical thinking skills, ethical reasoning, and a deeper understanding of their own moral principles.

In Term 4, students will engage in a comprehensive study of world religions. They will have the opportunity to select a religion of their choice from the major religions around the world and formulate their own research questions. Through in-depth investigation, students will explore their chosen religion, examining its beliefs, practices, and historical context. They will present their findings in a coherent and concise manner, comparing and contrasting the similarities and differences between their own lives and the lives of followers of the chosen religion. This unit will further develop their research skills, information and communication technology (ICT) proficiency, critical analysis, and reflective thinking abilities. Additionally, students will actively participate in group discussions, exploring the concept of belonging to a faith community, and the key messages of various faiths, including Christianity.

Throughout the term, students will have the opportunity to engage in research-based activities, analyse diverse perspectives, and reflect on their own understanding of the beliefs and practices that exist in the world today. By the end of the unit, students will have gained a broader awareness and appreciation of the range of religious traditions, fostering intercultural understanding and empathy.

During the year students have been asked to participate in Community Service, introduced through the idea that community service is a typical response to faith and beliefs which people hold. This activity is linked to the concept that beliefs are then expressed through our actions. Ideally, service to others becomes part of each student's life while at Carey and beyond.

Assessment

Semester 1 Assessment

• William Carey Reflection Task
• Bible Reading Method Task

Semester 2 Assessment

•  Morality Creative Task
• World Religions Research Presentation Task