Inquiry Overview

Curriculum Delivery Statement

Rationale

God created the world as a connected whole.  God designed human beings to learn of Him and of His universe and the connections He has created as a part of life and life eternal.  To better understand God’s world humanity groups and categorises.  To this end discrete subject areas exist which have skills learning and understandings that are specific to the subject.  While there is subject specific knowledge and skills, learning and learning skills are essentially the same no matter what the content being learnt.  The school provides opportunity for these skills to be developed either in discrete subject learning or preferably in Integrated Themes.  God designed for human beings to learn the connections of creation and this is the aim of the school.

Special Character - Values

Worship:

Theory

God has given us inquisitive minds to investigate the world around us. We can worship God through the awe of His creation and how He still cares for our fallen world.

Genesis 1:1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.

Job 37:14 ...Stop and consider His wonders...

Psalm 8:3-5 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honour.

Practical Uses

• Investigating natural phenomenon, such as weather patterns, life cycles and the solar system

• Investigating different forms of worship in society

• Exploring evidence throughout history of when humankind turns away from the Lord

Perseverance:

Theory

The process of inquiry requires students to question the world around them.  Through this process, students will persevere until they find a solution, have a better understanding of the world around them and how this connects to their Christian worldview.

James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Practical Uses

• Foster a class environment which will encourage effect teamwork

• Persevere to think outside the box to find creative solutions.

• Persevere in using new technologies.

Contribution:

Theory

God creates societies to function in a collaborative manner. This can be seen in human societies as well as in nature. God has given us nature as an example of working together to function effectively.

1 Corinthians 12: 12 For just as the body is a unity and yet has many parts, and all the parts, though many, form [only] one body, so it is with Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).

Ephesians 4: 11-15 And His gifts were [varied; He Himself appointed and gave men to us] some to be apostles (special messengers), some prophets (inspired preachers and expounders), some evangelists (preachers of the Gospel, traveling missionaries), some pastors (shepherds of His flock) and teachers. 12 His intention was the perfecting and the full equipping of the saints (His consecrated people), [that they should do] the work of ministering toward building up Christ’s body (the church), 13 [That it might develop] until we all attain oneness in the faith and in the comprehension of the [[a]full and accurate] knowledge of the Son of God, that [we might arrive] at really mature manhood (the completeness of personality which is nothing less than the standard height of Christ’s own perfection), the measure of the stature of the fullness of the Christ and the completeness found in Him. 14 So then, we may no longer be children, tossed [like ships] to and fro between chance gusts of teaching and wavering with every changing wind of doctrine, [the prey of] the cunning and cleverness of [b]unscrupulous men, [gamblers engaged] in every shifting form of trickery in inventing errors to mislead. 15 Rather, let our lives lovingly [c]express truth [in all things, speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly]. Enfolded in love, let us grow up in every way and in all things into Him Who is the Head, [even] Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).

Practical Uses

• Jigsaw/expert groups

• Paired interviews

• Picture priorities

• Other "Classroom Connections" teacher strategies

• Sharing ideas with the class in discussions

Excellence:

Theory

God created humanity and the world around us in excellence and for excellence. God deserves our excellence as a form of worship in understanding the laws He has created and endeavouring to work well together in community.

1 Corinthians 12:31 but earnestly desire the greater gifts and I show you a still more excellent way ... [love]

Isaiah 12:5 Praise the Lord in song for He has done excellent things. Let this be known throughout all the earth.

Practical Uses

• Exploring God's excellence in His Creation

• Endeavouring to improve our society and communities, as well as our understanding of Science

• Teachers seek to improve their practice - aiming for excellence in their teaching (part of Inquiry cycle)

Love:

Theory

God's creation is His expression of His love for us and can be seen in the scientific laws that He created. We seek to express love in our society like it was when God created the perfect world.

Psalm 96: 11-12 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it. Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.

Psalm 33:5 The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.

Practical Uses

• Explore how other cultures express love

• Explore the love languages

• Investigate the laws of science and how these manifest the glory and love of God

• Use boundaries to keep ourselves safe in love

Courage:

Theory

God has given us the ability to learn and develop our understanding of the world around us. It takes courage to have a Growth Mindset and push forward in our learning, even when it is challenging.

Psalm 31:24 Be strong and let your hearts take courage, all you who wait for and confidently expect the Lord.

Practical Uses

• Teacher's seek to improve their practice - aiming for excellence in their teaching (part of Inquiry cycle).

• Students taking risks in their learning

• Choosing a topic that will challenge and extend them rather than staying within their comfort-zone

Compassion:

Theory

When learning about different people groups, it is important to show empathy and understanding despite our differences.

Colossians 3:12-13 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

Practical Uses

• Thinking Hats (Red/Blue/Jesus Hats) and Habits of Mind: Listening with Understanding and Empathy

• Reflecting on our own attitudes to groups of people who are different to us

Integrity:

Theory

Integrity is essential in teaching inquiry-based subjects. When teachers model integrity, they encourage students to explore questions openly, analyse information responsibly, and seek accurate answers rather than convenient ones. This approach nurtures ethical research habits, respect for evidence, and an appreciation for multiple perspectives. By prioritising integrity, educators help students develop a strong moral compass in their pursuit of knowledge, laying the groundwork for responsible, reflective inquiry in any field.

Proverbs 2:3-5 "Yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God."

Practical Uses

• Analyse topics from a range of points of view

• Using data/information from trustworthy sources

• Ensuring scientific information is consistent with Biblical truths