Spiritual Life

One of the major aims of Beaconhills is the spiritual nurture and development of students in a Christian context. Students are given opportunities throughout their schooling to experience worship and to explore spiritual beliefs and practices. Each student is encouraged to find answers to the questions of meaning in their own lives and to understand how others explore and express faith. The College encourages students to see their lives and the lives of others around them as sacred and as a gift to be enjoyed and used in the service of others.

Age Appropriate Learning

Throughout their schooling students have opportunities to participate in Religion and Values Education (RAVE) classes. In the Junior School children follow the major Christian festivals with their classroom teacher throughout the year and consider the basic spiritual values which make communities work. In the Middle School, students are introduced to the central stories and teachings of the Christian faith together with major life issues that the world religions address, such as justice, suffering, care for creation and service. They gain an understanding of religious and ethical beliefs and practices and discover ways that human beings have responded to ultimate questions. They are encouraged to develop an openness and respect for others’ beliefs and practices.

In Year 10 all students study Ethics and are able to explore major current ethical issues around war, the environment, human relationships, justice and bioethics. The emphasis is on students developing their own ethical beliefs together with an understanding and respect for other viewpoints.

Some students continue their studies at VCE level through Religion and Society units.

Community

Chapel Services enable students to experience a worshipping community. Beaconhills has an association with the Anglican and Uniting Churches and therefore our Chapel services stand within these Christian traditions. The College realises that students come from a variety of different religious backgrounds and provides a range of participation levels.

The House system provides each student with opportunities for worship. Annual Family House Church Services, held in St James’ Church (Valley Campus) and the Performing Arts Hall (Village Campus) explore themes such as love, service and community through prayers, readings and music.

Personal Best

The College upholds the values of the Christian gospel and the teachings of Jesus. Love, service, forgiveness, honesty, peace and compassion are highlighted through talks and prayers at assemblies so as to provide the foundation values of the College community.