CURRICULUM & COURSE INFORMATION
ADST
MATH
ARTS
PHE
BIBLE
SCIENCE
CAREER
SOCIALS
ENGLISH
ESS
LANGUAGES
HOME
BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVES
The Biblical Perspectives department is designed to nurture and challenge students in their faith. Teaming with the home and the church, the RCS Biblical Perspectives department seeks to prepare students for a life-long journey with and for Jesus Christ. With that perspective in mind, our course offerings and teaching methods hope to reflect the nature of God- creative, lively, relational, active, accessible, Spirit-led, and rooted in Truth, in order to enable students to reflect the likeness of Christ for His kingdom.
In view of this goal, the Biblical Perspectives Department offers a variety of courses to provide sound biblical teaching, foster deeper understanding and connection with Christ, and to equip students to serve and engage a modern society.
Graduation Requirements Statement
To graduate from RCS, students must take Biblical Perspectives 10, one Biblical Perspectives 11 course and one Biblical Perspectives 12 course
BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVES
Biblical Perspectives 9
Description:
In Grade 9, we ensure that all students learn basic theological principles in order to provide a foundation for higher-level Biblical Perspectives courses. First, students will be able to learn to confidently share the message of the Gospel and explain its transformational power, as well as identify elements of the Gospel Story in popular culture. Next, students will look at the life of Christ from an unusual perspective- by putting Jesus on trial! Students will participate in a mock trial, taking the role of one of the many people surrounding Jesus, and will attempt to prove that Jesus was God. Finally, students will identify practical ways that they can begin to take ownership of their faith.
Biblical Perspectives 10
Prerequisite: Biblical Perspectives 9
Graduation Requirement: Biblical Perspectives 10
Description:
Students at this age are beginning to wrestle with doubts about their faith and are starting to make the shift from Christianity imposed on them by school, church and parents, towards a faith that is their own. They need a safe place to bring up their questions and find answers without fear of judgment, and additionally, to learn tools and practices that can help support them in their faith. Through the Apologetics 1 course, students will have opportunity to tackle 5 of life’s biggest questions and equip them to confidently discuss their faith. Additionally, this course offers tools to help students make wise decisions, through an in-depth study of Wisdom Literature from Scripture and different cultures. Finally, this course introduces spiritual disciplines in depth and begins to open up new means to connect with God in their own quiet time- and this year we focus on the medium of prayer. Our deep hope is that students will bravely raise their doubts and questions and learn to seek and find answers.
Biblical Perspectives 11
Prerequisite: Biblical Perspectives 10
Graduation Requirement: Biblical Perspectives 11
Description:
This course explores the intersections between Christianity and culture. Students will contrast popular culture with the counter-cultural mission and message of Jesus Christ through the Sermon on the Mount and learn practical tools to apply these teachings to their lives. Additionally, students will consider, “Who is my neighbour?” and be introduced to different worldviews and religious perspectives, learning to dialogue respectfully with those of differing beliefs. Finally, students will study “Healthy Relationships” and learn and practice Scriptural principles for dealing with different relationships.
Biblical Perspectives 12
Prerequisite: Biblical Perspectives 11, Discipleship 11, or Worship Leadership 11
Graduation Requirement: Biblical Perspectives 12
Description:
In their final Biblical Perspectives course at RCS, our goal is to equip students to be able to leave RCS with the ability to take practical steps to live out the life of a Christ-follower; know firmly what they believe and why; and be able to comfortably and confidently engage in discussions about controversial issues. This course will provide students opportunity to practice their faith, learn their theology, and give them tools to have difficult conversations. Finally, this course will end with students celebrating how RCS shaped their faith throughout their years at this school.
DISCIPLESHIP
Discipleship 11
Prerequisite: Biblical Perspectives 10, Application and Interview
Graduation Requirement: Biblical Perspectives 11
Description:
In this discipleship course, students will be mentored by the teacher and others to begin to live as disciples of Christ. Students will analyze their faith journey thus far, learn their God-given identity and learn and practice spiritual formation tools that complement and challenge their personality. Additionally, students will study and understand the character and calling of a disciple and learn to operate as God’s Kingdom agent in a broken world. Finally, we will end the year taking practical steps to love others- in our home, school, and communities. Throughout, we will read Survival Guide for the Soul by Ken Shigematsu and provide many opportunities to learn and practice new spiritual disciplines.
Due to the nature of this course, it is imperative that students have made a decision to follow Jesus and are ready to intentionally begin taking steps to pursue him. Additionally, we work to build safety and connection with each other and spur each other on in our faith. This is why it is imperative that each student applies for this course and interviews with the Biblical Perspectives department head in order to determine if this course would best serve you and course objectives.
Recommendations:
This course is recommended for students who are ready to commit to going deeper in their spiritual practices and reflections, as well as intentionally building community with their classmates and community.
Additional Information:
The Discipleship 11 Application form is due on March 1st at 8am and the interview will be scheduled before spring break.
Discipleship 12
Prerequisite: Discipleship 11 OR Worship Leadership 11 and Interview OR Biblical Perspectives 11, Application Form and Interview
Graduation Requirement: Biblical Perspectives 12
Description:
In Discipleship 11, students learned foundational discipleship theory and skills. This year, they will deepen in their ability to love God and to love others. They will study theological principles, be challenged to lead RCS students in discipleship practices and will have numerous opportunities to regularly put their faith into action in the community. As in Biblical Perspectives 12, students will finish this year reflecting and celebrating on how faith-based education has shaped them to who they are today.
Recommendations:
This course is recommended for students who are prepared to intentionally incorporate spiritual practices and reflections into their daily lives and are ready to intentionally serve others and share their faith.
Additional Information:
The Discipleship 12 Application form is due on March 1st at 8am and the interview will be scheduled before spring break.
WORSHIP LEADERSHIP
Worship Leadership 11
Prerequisite: Biblical Perspectives 10, Application and Interview
Graduation Requirement: Biblical Perspectives 11
Description:
In this course, students will learn foundational concepts of planning, organizing and executing weekly chapel worship gatherings, through a mixture of classroom theory, practical, hands-on experience, and mentorship from the senior Worship Leadership 12 students. It is expected that students will become skilled at engaging in and deepening their relationship with Jesus Christ through the historic spiritual disciplines, essential worship gathering set-up, curating, engagement, and review.
Recommendations:
This course is for students who consider themselves followers of Jesus, are willing to intentionally take their own time to grow in their faith, and who are able to serve our community musically or provide audio/video support.
Additional Information:
The Worship Leadership 11 Application form is due on March 1st at 8am and the interview and audition will be scheduled before Spring Break.
Worship Leadership 12
Prerequisite: Worship Leadership 11 and interview
Graduation Requirement: Biblical Perspectives 12
Description:
In this course, students will move from learner to mentor, teaching and mentoring Worship Leadership 11 students on foundational concepts of planning, organizing and executing weekly chapel worship gatherings. Students will be challenged to not only raise up the next generation of RCS worship leaders, but also to model a life of faith and obedience to God through teaching spiritual disciplines, praying for peers, modeling a Christ-centered life. Students will take lead roles in weekly worship experiences (planning and executing) and will delegate roles and responsibilities. Students will continue to engage in and deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ through the historic spiritual disciplines, essential worship gathering set-up, curating, engagement, and review.
Additional Information:
Students will be scheduled an interview by the course instructor before Spring Break.