Liston College

Liston Level 1 Religious Studies

Course Description

Teacher in Charge: K. McGillivray.

Recommended Prior Learning

Open Entry

Welcome to Religious Studies at Liston College. The Year 11 course sits within the context of 'Trusted' with students learning the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes to understand the Catholic perspective that human life in all its dimensions possesses its’ own innate dignity. We explore the essence of our faith, belief, and the human experience through four modules:

Te Atua God Beliefs and Believing: Introduction of God within the Catholic tradition through the Apostles’ Creed. Looking at the belief in the transcendent through the perspective of another religious tradition. Examining the document Nostra Aetate from Vatican Council II as an anchor by which the Catholic Church approaches interfaith relations.
Te Rongopai Good News The Gospels: Exploration the foundational text of Christianity, analysing the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and their impact on civilization.
Ā Tātou Whakapapa Our History in Aotearoa New Zealand: Recognising New Zealand's religious history, from Māori spirituality to Catholic religious traditions with a special focus on the Christian Brothers and the Edmund Rice tradition and examining their role on shaping our communities.
Kia Noho Hāhi Being Church Being Human: Reflecting on how living a good life is closely connected to the decisions we make, particularly those decisions which involve choices concerning morality and values. Human Dignity is explored in depth as it is the foundation of all other Christian moral and ethical principles.

Course Overview

Term 1
Beliefs and Believing - What do people believe about God? This term we will:
• Explore the key beliefs about God, particularly as expressed in the Apostles' Creed and how Catholics live with those beliefs.
• Explore how others view the transcendent/God and live those beliefs.

Term 2
The Gospels: How do we know about Jesus? This term we will:
• Develop an understanding of Jesus by exploring the context, purpose and structure of the Gospels and the messages about Jesus and what it means to be a Catholic then and now.

Term 3
Our History: In Aotearoa New Zealand - What is the Catholic story in New Zealand? This term we will:
• Recognise the contribution of individuals, groups and events in the establishment and early development of the Catholic Church in Aotearoa.
• Grow in understanding of the charism of Edmund Rice and the Christian Brothers, linking it to our school’s values and our place in the community
• Examine how the Catholic Church and community has responded to challenges and makes positive contributions to New Zealand society.

Term 4
Being Human - How do I have a good life? The term we will:
• Understand the nature of sin, reconciliation and conscience and develop moral decision-making skills.
• Examine values and virtues, personal integrity and mana, freedom, and moral responsibility in our personal growth.
• Understand the sources, nature and function of Christian morality and explore specific Church teachings including the consistent ethic of life.

Learning Areas:

Religious Education

Assessment Information

1.1 The Gospels: Describe the purpose of a sacred text within a religious tradition.
1.2 Our History: Describe a significant development within a religious tradition.
1.3 Being Human: Describe the application of the key ethical principle(s) of a religious tradition to an issue.
1.4 Beliefs and Believing: Describe key beliefs of a religious tradition.