Religious Education

Grade 7
In Grade 7, we will cover such topics as: The history and background of the Marist Brothers and MBIS, the concept of community at MBIS, the religion of the Jewish people, ancient religions, symbols and rituals, and the influence of Jesus on the world.

Grade 8
In Grade 8, we will cover topics such as: God and people in creation, the Sacred Story, the influence of Jesus, images of good and evil, and the celebration of Easter.

Grade 9
The major theme of this course is the Moral Responsibility of the Individual. We begin by examining the basis for various moral codes. As a comparative religious study, we look at the moral codes of religions, focusing on Christianity, Shinto, Buddhism and Islam. The other major theme of the course is a study of the attitudes of the major religions to the environment.

Grade 10
The theme of this course is Friendship: Self and Others. Underlying this theme is the idea of the interconnectedness of God, oneself and others. Units of study are based on these texts: The Little Prince, The Gospel of Luke, and Human Sexuality. A study of prayer is interwoven into the units. Throughout the course there is an emphasis on the search for essential values for living. In addition to class work, tests and homework, students are required to keep a journal of their own thoughts.

Grade 11
In Grade 11, students undertake an extensive study of the development of Religion and a comparative study of major world religions. The development of religion is traced from early human thought to the period of the Babylonians, Egyptians, and Greeks and Romans. Such basic questions as humankind’s need for religion and the search for the answers to the mystery of life are discussed.

Grade 12
Grade 12 students examine the role that religion plays in determining ethical behaviour. Students will initially describe their own religious philosophy and how it impacts on their daily life. They will then discover the role that various philosophers, from Socrates to Bonhoeffer, have played over the centuries in establishing principles and ethics that are still in vogue, and studied in the 21st century. The course will examine various real-life ethical issues (human rights, abortion, same-sex relationships, world trade, government censorship) and debate those issues from an ethical standpoint. Classroom discussion, formal debates, essays, research and guest speakers will form a basic part of the learning experience. Opportunities will be arranged for students to participate in community work. Students will be graded on class participation and the depth of original thought contained in their oral presentations and comments, and in their written work.