Spotlight on Biblical Studies: Students’ perspectives
March 3, 2023
As an inclusive Anglican School, TIGS students have differing perspectives on life and faith. This week I have invited two Year 9 students, Rhys Chieng and Charlee Ducat, to share their perspectives on Biblical Studies. I am sure you will appreciate their keen insights and honest reflections.
I want to thank Charlee and Rhys for their valuable perspectives. Their voice is so important and to be able to learn alongside the likes of them in Biblical Studies is what makes teaching at TIGS so fulfilling.
Rhys Chieng
Biblical Studies is a place of not only personal development but where we are also nurtured as a community of learners. I’ve enjoyed the complexity and depth of discussions in class, helping us understand the world in a deeper way and thus helping us develop as learners. The environment, along with wonderful teachers, provides a perfect place for deep learning to take place. By covering old ground as well as new content, the teachers ensure the students aren’t bored, and learning is maximised in each week’s lesson. Discussions are mixed with individual bookwork, catering to all learning styles. Overall, Biblical Studies is a subject that helps students mature individually and collectively through deep discussions in a nurturing and safe environment.
Charlee Ducat
I am not a Christian, but that doesn’t mean I can’t be good at or appreciate Biblical Studies. At TIGS, each term is planned out in a way where students learn about fascinating parts of history, have progressive discussions, and ultimately have fun. I especially like the times we do drama (which we should do more of!) to consolidate our learning. For example, during a role play on how the Christian God always has a plan, my group had a very charming enactment of how we might respond if suffering injustice while working at a restaurant like McDonalds. Even though I do not personally believe in Jesus Christ, the lessons within the Bible are valuable. Using the example of how God has a plan for us, atheists could view this as not being discouraged when bad things occur or not giving up when things get tough. As cliché as it sounds, the lessons from Biblical Studies can be helpful and even essential as we mature and try to navigate the world of pricey rentals, the unimaginable task of doing taxes, and the other scary ins-and-outs of becoming an adult.