Christian Organisations' Role

Overview

In this 50-minute lesson (Lesson 8 of 10 in the unit "Faith, Migration, and Identity"), Year 9 students will investigate the role of Christian organisations in supporting migrants within New Zealand communities. They will explore how these organisations provide practical assistance, foster social inclusion, and contribute to shaping migrant identities. This lesson is tightly aligned with the New Zealand Curriculum, reflecting key competencies, values, and principles that underpin learning in Religious Education and Social Sciences.

Curriculum Links

Learning Area

Social Sciences: Understanding how societies work and how students can participate as informed, responsible citizens.
Religious Education (within Social Sciences context): Investigate Christian beliefs in action among migrant support.

Achievement Objectives (Level 4, Year 9 approx)

Understand how cultural and religious groups and communities interact and contribute to society.
Examine different perspectives on migration and cultural identity.
Analyse the role of religious institutions/organisations in societal support and inclusion.

Key Competencies (NZ Curriculum, pages 12-13)

Relating to others: Interact, share ideas, and negotiate.
Participating and contributing: Engage in community issues.
Thinking: Analyse issues and possible approaches.
Using language, symbols, and texts: Communicate ideas effectively.

Principles

Treaty of Waitangi: Recognising diverse cultural perspectives in curriculum.
Cultural diversity: Reflect New Zealand’s multicultural society including migrant experiences.
Inclusion: Cater for diverse learners and promote understanding of different identities.
High expectations: Empower all students to learn and achieve with personal excellence.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

Describe the role of Christian organisations in supporting migrants in New Zealand.
Explain how these organisations facilitate inclusion and community belonging.
Identify ways Christian values are expressed through assistance to migrants.
Reflect critically on the impact of such organisational support on migrant identity and New Zealand society.

Lesson Structure

Time	Activity	Details
0-5 min	Hook & Context Setting	Begin with a question: "What does it mean to help someone who has just moved to New Zealand?" Brief class brainstorming and discussion. Introduce the topic of Christian organisations supporting migrants.
5-15 min	Information Input: Short Presentation / Video	Present a concise explanation of Christian organisations involved in migration support in NZ (e.g. local church groups, Anglican Trust for Migrants, St Vincent de Paul). Include examples of assistance: housing, language lessons, legal help, social support. Use visuals or a short video segment (3-5 mins) to engage students.
15-30 min	Group Work: Role Exploration	Students in groups of 4-5 each receive a scenario card describing a migrant with specific needs. They discuss how a Christian organisation might support this person, referencing Christian values (compassion, hospitality, justice). Each group lists support actions and reasons.
30-40 min	Class Discussion: Sharing and Critical Thinking	Groups share their scenarios and ideas. Facilitate deeper questions: "Why do you think these organisations do this work?" "How does this help migrants feel included in our communities?" "Can you see any challenges this work might face?"
40-45 min	Individual Reflection: Quick Write	Students write a short paragraph on: "How do Christian organisations help migrants in New Zealand, and why is this important for our society?" Emphasise use of key vocabulary from lesson.
45-50 min	Wrap-Up and Exit Slip	Recap key points. Quick exit slip question on a card: "Name one way Christian organisations support migrants." or "Why is inclusion important?" Collect slips for informal assessment.

Resources Needed

Scenario cards for group work (varied migrant stories with different needs).
Presentation slides or printed fact sheets about Christian organisations active in migration support.
Short video clip (optional): May be from NZ-based migrant support or church community outreach.
Writing materials for reflection.
Exit slips.

Assessment Methods

Observe group discussions for understanding of Christian values and migrant support.
Review individual paragraph writing to assess comprehension and reflective thinking.
Exit slips provide quick feedback on student grasp of key lesson content.

Differentiation and Inclusivity

Provide sentence starters for the reflection writing for students who need support.
Extend groups with more confident students to facilitate peer learning.
Ensure scenario cards represent a diverse range of migrant backgrounds and needs.
Connect the lesson to students’ own cultural experiences and encourage sharing.

Teacher Notes / Tips

Make links to students’ own experiences of community and support – personalise migration.
Highlight New Zealand’s bicultural context and multicultural reality.
Emphasise Christian organisations as part of wider community support – inviting respect for diversity.
Prompt students to consider both the benefits and potential challenges faced by migrants and helpers alike.

Alignment with New Zealand Curriculum Summary

This lesson integrates critical aspects of the NZ Curriculum by engaging students in learning that is:

Inclusive and culturally responsive (Treaty of Waitangi, cultural diversity principle),
Centered on key competencies (relating to others, participating and contributing, thinking),
Relevant and future-focused, preparing students for active participation in New Zealand’s multi-faith and multicultural society,
Linked to social sciences and religious education learning areas with an emphasis on ethical, social, and cultural understanding.

If you would like, I can also provide the detailed scenario cards or example presentation content to accompany this plan.

Teaching Instructions