Rooted in Marymount’s Catholic identity and enriched by our international community, Religious Studies invites students to explore faith, philosophy and ethics, encounter different perspectives, and develop the knowledge, discernment and critical thinking to engage thoughtfully with the world around them.

Why Religious Studies matters?

Religious Studies at Marymount encourages students to explore some of life’s most important questions: what we believe, how we understand others, and how our values shape the choices we make.

Through the study of faith, culture, ethics and philosophy, students develop the knowledge and confidence to engage thoughtfully with different perspectives. They learn to appreciate the beliefs, traditions and heritage of others while also reflecting more deeply on their own ideas and values.

At the heart of the subject is the development of the whole person. Students are encouraged to become morally aware, globally minded and capable of discernment — thinking critically about complex questions rather than simply accepting easy answers.

Religious Studies is also a rigorous academic discipline. Through discussion, analysis and evaluation, students learn to question, reason and think independently, developing skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

The Marymount Approach to Religious Studies

Discussion is central to Religious Studies at Marymount. The classroom is a safe and inclusive environment where students can ask questions, share perspectives and explore complex issues of faith, ethics and philosophy. Every student’s voice is valued, and different beliefs and experiences are welcomed as part of the learning.

Rather than focusing only on difference, students are encouraged to recognise connections between faiths, cultures and experiences. This creates space for thoughtful dialogue, helping them to understand others more deeply while developing and articulating their own ideas.

The Religious Studies journey Years 7-13 (Grades 6-12)

Years 7-9 (Grades 6-8) – Foundations
  • Creation and Covenant
  • Prophecy and Promise
  • Galilee to Jerusalem
  • Desert to Garden
  • To the Ends of the Earth
  • Dialogue and Encounter
Years 10-11 (Grades 9-10) – Belief, Practice & Contemporary issues
  • Religion, Relationships and Family life
  • Human rights
  • Social justice
Years 12-13 (Grades 11-12)
  • Philosophy
  • Religion
  • Ethics

A classroom built around dialogue

Religious Studies lessons are varied, active and discussion-led. Students learn through dialogue, independent research, group work, peer teaching and creative activities, developing the confidence to question, interpret and evaluate different ideas.

The focus is not simply on what people believe, but on learning to listen, think critically and articulate ideas with clarity and respect.

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