Project Based Learning shows faith in new light
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Jesus Wept - Scott Chau |
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Bishop Kevin Manning |
Year 9 students at Parramatta Marist High, Westmead have produced some highly inspirational and thought-provoking images of Jesus as part of a Project Based Learning model, combining the subjects of Religious Education (RE) and Information and Communication Technologies.
Launched by Rev Dr Doug Purnell, an artist and director of the Blake Society. the project was named ‘Images of Jesus’ and students were asked to produce an exhibition of images of Jesus through time creating their own contemporary image. The project linked art, digital media and religion.
The project culminated with a short-listed group of students presenting their images to a panel of judges consisting of Bishop Kevin Manning, head of school service, Joy Short and Ann Clark, Parramatta Marist business manager.
Catholic Studies teacher, Bruce Carr, said the project had been embraced with enthusiasm by the students and choosing the top 21 images to present was very difficult.
‘We had 140 images to choose from, and 121 students who were keen to present and explain their creations,’ said Mr Carr.
Bishop Manning expressed his amazement at the ingenuity and professionalism of the students.
‘Viewing your work today and listening to your presentations, I really thought you were senior students! I am very impressed by the capacity of young people to explain what religion is all about. You are God’s messengers and your work has helped get His message out,’ said Bishop Manning.
The images presented reflected the students’ individual perceptions of their faith, and ranged from Jesus portrayed as a boxer, ‘fighting the good fight’ to more traditional representations of Christ.
The top three images selected by the judging panel were:
Eternal Life Waits Upon Us by George Eid
Jesus Wept by Scott Chau
The Pilgrims by James Har
Principal, Br Patrick Howlett, said the students’ work was inspirational and he was keen to ensure that it was displayed for the rest of the student population to view.
‘Your work demonstrates to me the great value of Project Based Learning, an area we will be expanding,’ Br Patrick said.
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Eternal Life Waits Upon Us - George Eid |
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The Pilgrims - James Harb |
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