Studies of Religion 1 Unit & 2 Unit

ATAR Course

A course in Religion is compulsory for all students in Year 11 and Year 12 at St Francis Xavier's College. Note that the Year 12 Retreat is an integral part of this course.

Introduction

This course is designed to give students a specific understanding of several religious traditions and other world views. It also has a focus on spiritual and religious identity in Australia and the 2 Unit course also includes a critical study of the role of religion in individual and world peace.

For Whom is the Course Intended?

Students interested in studying their own religious world view and that of others will find this subject of value. It provides an excellent background for students interested in pursuing careers in journalism, politics, education, health or any employment in our increasingly diverse society. Studies of Religion gives students an insight into other cultures and is very beneficial for those who wish to travel and understand world events. Both the 1 Unit and 2 Unit courses are academically rigorous and involve a demanding external HSC examination and internal assessment. Students need to be very competent in English to have success in this subject. The Course can be used by students as part of their ATAR.

Pre-Requisites  

There are NO pre-requisites for these courses.

Studies of Religion 1 Unit Accelerated Course

This program of study allows students to complete 1 Unit Year 11 and Year 12 Studies of Religion in one year. The accelerated course is only available to students studying Extension Mathematics or Extension English. Students will sit for their HSC Examination in Studies of Religion at the end of Year 11.                                                                          

Having completed 1 unit of their ATAR requirements, students who choose this program will:

  • have an opportunity to concentrate their efforts on excelling in one HSC subject while they are in Year 11
  • have an early insight into HSC Examination and assessment procedures
  • study with other students who are motivated to achieve good results
  • have more time in Year 12 to focus on other subjects (NB students will still be required to complete 10 units of study in addition to this subject)

Students who wish to select the accelerated course need to contact the administration office via admin@hamilton.catholic.edu.au for an application form which is to be returned prior to the subject selection deadline in Week 3 of Term 3. They should select the 2 Unit Studies of Religion on the subject application form. This is a highly competitive course and places are limited.

Assessment

For the purposes of this syllabus the religious traditions are considered to be the five major religions of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism.

Internal

For both Courses (1 Unit and 2 Unit) the School Assessment is made up of a variety of tasks: exams; written reports; research; written and graphic communication.

HSC

The 1 Unit Course has a single paper of 1½ hours duration.  The 2 Unit course has a 3 hour paper.

Costs

Subject costs are included in the College Resource Fee.

Other Costs: Excursions and/or guest speakers will be organised when deemed appropriate to the Course. These costs are kept to a minimum.