Belonging to Community

Lesson Overview

This 60-minute lesson will help Year 7 students deepen their understanding of what it means to be part of the Catholic Community. Aligning with the Australian Curriculum framework, this lesson focuses on personal and social capability development through exploring beliefs, values, and community engagement. It aims to foster intercultural understanding and promote active and informed citizenship.

Curriculum Area

• Subject: Other (Religion and Ethics)
• Level: Year 7
• Focus: Belonging to the Catholic Community within the broader Australian society

Learning Objectives

• Identify key aspects of Catholic beliefs and values.
• Understand the importance of community and belonging in the Catholic tradition.
• Recognise how individual actions can impact the wider community.

Resources

• Printed handouts of a brief overview of the Catholic faith (1 page).
• Projector and screen for visual presentations.
• Whiteboard and markers.
• Sticky notes and pens for students.
• Access to the school's Catholic Community leader or a guest speaker (optional).

Lesson Structure

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Welcome and Recap:

   • Welcome students and briefly recap any previous lessons on community and beliefs.
   • Introduce today's topic: "What it means to belong to the Catholic Community."

2. Engage with a Question:

   • Ask students, "What does being part of a community mean to you?"
   • Encourage them to write their responses on sticky notes and share with peers.

Core Activity (40 minutes)

Exploration and Discussion (20 minutes)

1. Presentation:

   • Display a visual presentation outlining the core beliefs and values of the Catholic Church, such as faith, love, service, and tradition.
   • Highlight significant aspects like sacraments, prayer, and the importance of community support.

2. Think-Pair-Share:

   • Ask students to think about how these values resonate with their personal experiences.
   • Pair up and discuss: "How do these values manifest in the Catholic Community locally and globally?"
   • Share insights with the class, encouraging diverse perspectives and questions.

Interactive Activity (20 minutes)

1. Community Mapping:

   • Provide handouts outlining various roles and activities within the Catholic Community (e.g., volunteering, attending mass, supporting charities).
   • Students to form small groups and choose one activity to map out how it benefits both individuals and the community.
   • Groups create a visual map on A3 paper using drawings and key points, focusing on aspects like purpose, community involvement, and personal growth.

2. Group Presentations:

   • Each group presents their community map to the class.
   • Encourage feedback and questions to deepen understanding.

Conclusion (10 minutes)

1. Reflective Discussion:

   • Engage students in a discussion about the significance of belonging.
   • Explore questions like "How does the Catholic Community make a difference in people's lives?"

2. Personal Reflection:

   • Ask students to write a quick personal reflection on what they learned about community and belonging.
   • If time permits, invite a few volunteers to share their reflections with the class.

Assessment

• Monitor group participation and engagement during discussions and activities.
• Collect sticky note responses and personal reflections for insight into students' understanding and thoughts.

Extension Opportunities

• Arrange for a guest speaker from the Catholic Community to talk about their experiences.
• Organise a community service project for students to practise these values firsthand.

By implementing this lesson plan, teachers will guide students through an immersive learning experience that enriches their comprehension of belonging to the Catholic Community, while adhering to Australian educational standards.