ATAR – Unit 1
Unit description
The focus of this unit is the place of religion in society. It
examines the responses of people to religion, in
particular how people understand the response of
religion to their concerns, needs and questions.
Students develop the skills required for conducting an
inquiry, processing information, and communicating
findings about the interplay between religion and life.
ATAR – Unit 2
Unit description
The focus of this unit is religious identity and purpose. It
investigates how religion shapes, forms and supports
people in life. The unit also examines how religion
impacts on, and interacts with, groups in society.
Students develop the skills required for conducting an
inquiry, processing information, and communicating
findings about the interplay between religion and life.
ATAR – Unit 3
Unit description
The focus for this unit is the connection between past
and present experiences of religion. Students analyse
the impact of changes within society and how these
changes shape the way individuals and groups interact
with religion. They further develop research skills for
conducting an inquiry, processing information, and
communicating findings about the interplay between
religion and life.
ATAR – Unit 4
Unit description
The focus for this unit is the interplay between religion
and life. Students explore how religion responds to, and
interacts with, issues that arise within society. They
further develop research skills for conducting an inquiry,
processing information and communicating findings
about the interplay between religion and life.
Unit content
This unit includes the knowledge, understandings and
skills described below.
Unit content
This unit includes the knowledge, understandings and
skills described below.
Unit content
This unit includes the knowledge, understandings and
skills described below. This is the examinable content.
Unit content
This unit includes the knowledge, understandings and
skills described below. This is the examinable content.
The nature of religion
The search for meaning
• the relationship between important life events and
the questions people ask about meaning and
purpose in their lives
• the concept of religion and being religious
The nature of religion
The search for meaning
• examples of how people are influenced and shaped
by religion
• how people respond to the meaning and purpose
offered by religion
The nature of religion
The search for meaning
• how social factors impact on how people interact
with religion
The nature of religion
The search for meaning
• the interplay between the life of one significant
religious person, their context and religion
Religious belief and practice
• the nature of religious belief
• the key features of one religious belief or teaching
• the key features of one religious ritual or practice
Religious belief and practice
• the relationship between one particular religious
belief or teaching and the lives of people
• the relationship between one particular religious
ritual or practice and the lives of people
Religious belief and practice
• how one religious belief, teaching, ritual or practice
developed over time
Religious belief and practice
• the concept of freedom from a religious perspective
• a religious belief, teaching, ritual or practice
provided by a religion to help people in their search
for freedom
Religious structures and processes
• the characteristics of the major divisions or
denominations within a world religion
Religious structures and processes
• the main structures and processes of a particular
religion
Religious structures and processes
• how a religion uses a particular structure and/or
process to address important issues
Religious structures and processes
• how and why a religion develops and expresses its
beliefs
The influence of religion
The place of religion in society
• the place of religion in Australian society
The influence of religion
The place of religion in society
• reasons for and against the involvement of religion
in society
The influence of religion
The place of religion in society
• differing ways in which religion is viewed in society
The influence of religion
The place of religion in society
• the role religion plays in the public life of Australia
or another nation
Religion in historical contexts
• one important person, event, or issue in the history
of a religion in Australia
Religion in historical contexts
• the impact an event or issue in history had on a
religion
Religion in historical contexts
• the significance of one religious event and/or issue
from the past
Religion in historical contexts
• the interplay between a religion and an issue within
a particular historical context
Current issues for religion
• the nature of one current issue in society to which a
religion seeks to respond
• the response of a religion to one current issue in
society
Current issues for religion
• a comparison of societal and religious views on one
current issue in society
Current issues for religion
• the nature of one current issue generating tension
and conflict in society
• how a religion responds to this tension and/or
conflict and the reasons for this response
Current issues for religion
• a current issue for a religion and how this religion
interacts with this issue
ATAR – Unit 1
Religious inquiry and learning skills
Terms and concepts
• use terms and concepts in appropriate contexts to
demonstrate relevant knowledge and understanding
Research
• frame questions to guide inquiry and develop a
coherent research plan for inquiry
• identify, locate and organise relevant information
from a range of relevant sources
• practise ethical scholarship when conducting
research
Analysis and use of sources
• identify the origin, purpose and context of particular
sources
• analyse, interpret and synthesise evidence from
different types of sources to develop and sustain an
academic argument
• evaluate the reliability, usefulness and contestable
nature of sources to develop informed judgements
that support an academic argument
• analyse and evaluate different interpretations and
points of view
Explanation and communication
• develop reasoned and supported conclusions
• develop texts that integrate appropriate evidence
from a range of sources to explain, support and/or
refute arguments
• communicate understanding by selecting and using
text forms appropriate to purpose and audience
• apply appropriate referencing techniques accurately
and consistently
ATAR – Unit 2
Religious inquiry and learning skills
Terms and concepts
• use terms and concepts in appropriate contexts to
demonstrate relevant knowledge and understanding
Research
• frame questions to guide inquiry and develop a
coherent research plan for inquiry
• identify, locate and organise relevant information
from a range of relevant sources
• practise ethical scholarship when conducting
research
Analysis and use of sources
• identify the origin, purpose and context of particular
sources
• analyse, interpret and synthesise evidence from
different types of sources to develop and sustain an
academic argument
• evaluate the reliability, usefulness and contestable
nature of sources to develop informed judgements
that support an academic argument
• analyse and evaluate different interpretations and
points of view
Explanation and communication
• develop reasoned and supported conclusions
• develop texts that integrate appropriate evidence
from a range of sources to explain, support and/or
refute arguments
• communicate understanding by selecting and using
text forms appropriate to purpose and audience
• apply appropriate referencing techniques accurately
and consistently
ATAR – Unit 3
Religious inquiry and learning skills
Terms and concepts
• use terms and concepts in appropriate contexts to
demonstrate relevant knowledge and understanding
Research
• frame questions to guide inquiry and develop a
coherent research plan for inquiry
• identify, locate and organise relevant information
from a range of relevant sources
• practise ethical scholarship when conducting
research
Analysis and use of sources
• identify the origin, purpose and context of particular
sources
• analyse, interpret and synthesise evidence from
different types of sources to develop and sustain an
academic argument
• evaluate the reliability, usefulness and contestable
nature of sources to develop informed judgements
that support an academic argument
• analyse and evaluate different interpretations and
points of view
Explanation and communication
• develop reasoned and supported conclusions
• develop texts that integrate appropriate evidence
from a range of sources to explain, support and/or
refute arguments
• communicate understanding by selecting and using
text forms appropriate to purpose and audience
• apply appropriate referencing techniques accurately
and consistently
ATAR – Unit 4
Religious inquiry and learning skills
Terms and concepts
• use terms and concepts in appropriate contexts to
demonstrate relevant knowledge and understanding
Research
• frame questions to guide inquiry and develop a
coherent research plan for inquiry
• identify, locate and organise relevant information
from a range of relevant sources
• practise ethical scholarship when conducting
research
Analysis and use of sources
• identify the origin, purpose and context of particular
sources
• analyse, interpret and synthesise evidence from
different types of sources to develop and sustain an
academic argument
• evaluate the reliability, usefulness and contestable
nature of sources to develop informed judgements
that support an academic argument
• analyse and evaluate different interpretations and
points of view
Explanation and communication
• develop reasoned and supported conclusions
• develop texts that integrate appropriate evidence
from a range of sources to explain, support and/or
refute arguments
• communicate understanding by selecting and using
text forms appropriate to purpose and audience
• apply appropriate referencing techniques accurately
and consistently
General – Unit 1
Unit description
The focus of this unit is religion as a human activity. It
explores how people search for meaning in life and the
characteristics of religion. Students conduct research
and develop the skills required for processing
information and communicating findings about religion
and life.
General – Unit 2
Unit description
The focus of this unit is the role religion plays in society.
It considers the responses offered by religion to issues
that exist in society. Students conduct research and
develop the skills required for processing information
and communicating findings about religion and life.
General – Unit 3
Unit description
The focus of this unit is the role religion plays in the lives
of people. It explores how people interact with and
respond to religion. Students conduct research and
consolidate the skills required for processing
information and communicating findings about religion
and life.
General – Unit 4
Unit description
The focus of this unit is religious identity. It examines in
more detail the influence of religion on people and how
religious people interact with society. Students conduct
research and consolidate the skills required for
processing information and communicating findings
about religion and life.
Unit content
This unit includes the knowledge, understandings and
skills described below.
Unit content
This unit builds on the content covered in Unit 1.
This unit includes the knowledge, understandings and
skills described below.
Unit content
An understanding of the Year 11 content is assumed
knowledge for students in Year 12. It is recommended
that students studying Unit 3 and Unit 4 have completed
Unit 1 and Unit 2.
This unit includes the knowledge, understandings and
skills described below.
Unit content
This unit builds on the content covered in Unit 3.
This unit includes the knowledge, understandings and
skills described below.
The nature of religion
The search for meaning
• experiences that prompt people to ask questions
about the meaning and purpose of life
• examples of religious answers to life’s questions and
experiences
• a definition of religion
The nature of religion
The search for meaning
• ways people identify with and/or belong to a
religion
• challenges people encounter when dealing with
moral and ethical issues
The nature of religion
The search for meaning
• the relationship between important life events and
the search for meaning and purpose
• different ways people choose to follow a religious
way of life
The nature of religion
The search for meaning
• examples of how the lives of people are influenced
and shaped by religion
• how religion plays a part in the life of a significant
religious person, past or present
Religious belief, teaching and practice
• an overview of the main characteristics of a religion
• the major divisions or denominations within a world
religion
• the key features of a religious practice, ritual,
celebration or event
Religious belief, teaching and practice
• the key features of a religious belief and/or teaching
• an overview of the history of a religious belief
and/or teaching
Religious belief, teaching and practice
• how a religious belief or teaching can play a role in
the lives of people and/or society
• an overview of a religion’s structure and/or
leadership
Religious belief, teaching and practice
• how a religious practice, ritual, celebration or event
can play a role in the lives of people
• an example of the role religious leaders and/or
structures play in developing or supporting the
expression of a religious belief, teaching or practice
The influence of religion
The place of religion in society
• an overview of the role religion plays in society
The influence of religion
The place of religion in society
• the place of religion in Australian society
The influence of religion
The place of religion in society
• how individuals or groups respond to the presence
of religion in a society
The influence of religion
The place of religion in society
• reasons for and against the involvement of religion
in society
Religion in historical contexts
• an overview of the foundation and development of
a religion
Religion in historical contexts
• an overview of the history of religion in Australia
Religion in historical contexts
• an overview of an important event or issue in the
history of a religion
Religion in historical contexts
• how a religion interacted with an important event
or issue from the past
Current issues for religion
• an overview of a current social issue and the
response of a religion to this issue
Current issues for religion
• how a religion responds to a current social justice
issue
Current issues for religion
• the key features of a current issue in society to
which a religion seeks to respond
• the response of a religion to a current issue in
society
Current issues for religion
• a comparison of societal and religious views on a
current issue in society
• why a religion responds in a particular way to a
current social issue
General – Unit 1
Religious inquiry and learning skills
Terms and concepts
• use correct religious terms and concepts
Research
• develop and follow a research plan when
conducting an inquiry
• identify, locate and organise relevant information
from relevant sources
• practise ethical scholarship when conducting
research
Analysis and use of sources
• identify the origin, purpose and context of particular
sources
• identify different points of view
• identify and use evidence from different types of
sources to support a point of view
• evaluate the usefulness of different sources
Explanation and communication
• develop texts that accurately use evidence to
explain, support or refute arguments
• communicate ideas or understandings suitable for a
set purpose and audience
• use basic referencing techniques accurately and
consistently
General – Unit 2
Religious inquiry and learning skills
Terms and concepts
• use correct religious terms and concepts
Research
• develop and follow a research plan when
conducting an inquiry
• identify, locate and organise relevant information
from relevant sources
• practise ethical scholarship when conducting
research
Analysis and use of sources
• identify the origin, purpose and context of particular
sources
• identify different points of view
• identify and use evidence from different types of
sources to support a point of view
• evaluate the usefulness of different sources
Explanation and communication
• develop texts that accurately use evidence to
explain, support or refute arguments
• communicate ideas or understandings suitable for a
set purpose and audience
• use basic referencing techniques accurately and
consistently
General – Unit 3
Religious inquiry and learning skills
Terms and concepts
• use correct religious terms and concepts
Research
• develop and follow a research plan when
conducting an inquiry
• identify, locate and organise relevant information
from relevant sources
• practise ethical scholarship when conducting
research
Analysis and use of sources
• identify the origin, purpose and context of particular
sources
• identify different points of view
• identify and use evidence from different types of
sources to support a point of view
• evaluate the usefulness of different sources
Explanation and communication
• develop texts that accurately use evidence to
explain, support or refute arguments
• communicate ideas or understandings suitable for a
set purpose and audience
• use basic referencing techniques accurately and
consistently
General – Unit 4
Religious inquiry and learning skills
Terms and concepts
• use correct religious terms and concepts
Research
• develop and follow a research plan when
conducting an inquiry
• identify, locate and organise relevant information
from relevant sources
• practise ethical scholarship when conducting
research
Analysis and use of sources
• identify the origin, purpose and context of particular
sources
• identify different points of view
• identify and use evidence from different types of
sources to support a point of view
• evaluate the usefulness of different sources
Explanation and communication
• develop texts that accurately use evidence to
explain, support or refute arguments
• communicate ideas or understandings suitable for a
set purpose and audience
• use basic referencing techniques accurately and
consistently