The Religion and Values Education (RVE) faculty at Aitken College fosters an understanding of faith, ethics, and values while encouraging students to explore their personal beliefs and global perspectives. Students engage with topics that connect theology, philosophy, and social justice, developing critical thinking and compassion.
Year 7 RVE introduces students to foundational Christian teachings and values. Topics include the core beliefs of Christianity, understanding the structure and significance of the Bible, and exploring the ministry and parables of Jesus. The year concludes with a study of Christmas, encouraging reflection on the historical and spiritual importance of the holiday.
Year 8 RVE broadens students’ perspectives by examining the meaning of Easter and creation stories from various traditions. They explore ethical frameworks, discussing how moral decisions are made, and investigate Christianity in action, looking at how faith inspires service and community engagement.
Year 9 RVE delves into complex moral and spiritual questions. Students engage with topics like rights and wrongs, exploring ethical dilemmas and the concepts of justice and fairness. War and peace are studied in the context of religious teachings, while a unit on world religions fosters an appreciation of diverse beliefs. The relationship between science and belief challenges students to consider different perspectives on existence and faith.
Year 10 RVE encourages students to connect faith with contemporary issues. The Reel Jesus examines depictions of Jesus in film and their cultural significance. Students explore ethics through applied scenarios, examine spirituality and identity, and investigate social justice issues, linking values to real-world actions.
In Year 11 and 12 Religion and Society, students explore religion as a social phenomenon. They examine the role of religion in shaping personal and collective identity, ethical decision-making, and social change. The curriculum includes critical analysis of the interaction between religion and society, past and present, preparing students to engage thoughtfully with complex global issues.
The RVE faculty helps students build a strong moral and spiritual foundation, encouraging them to grow into thoughtful, empathetic, and engaged individuals.