Religious Education

Introduction

All students should extend and deepen their knowledge and understanding of a range of religions and worldviews, recognising their local, national and global context. Building on their prior learning, they should learn to appreciate religions and worldviews in systematic ways. They should draw on a wide range of subject-specific language confidently and flexibly, learning to use the concepts of religious study to describe the nature of religion. They should understand how beliefs influence the values and lives of individuals and groups, and how religions and worldviews have an impact on wider current affairs.

The Department offer the students the opportunity to:

• reflect on the importance of a system of personal belief;
• recognise the place faith has in the lives of people;
• understand the difference between right and wrong and the consequences of their actions for themselves and others;
• be creative, questioning within a broad Christian framework that recognises the importance of experience, personal values and respect for the beliefs of others;
• recognise, respect and celebrate cultural diversity.

KS3

YEARS 7 AND 8
In year 7, 8 and students study core units on Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, Hinduism, Judaism and Buddhism, as well as thematic units on festivals, texts, rites of passage, the environment and the arts. Students develop their RE knowledge in Years 7 and 8 in order to use this in Year 9 when exploring ethical issues.

The aims of the programme of study are:

• To enable students to be familiar with a body of Religious knowledge, principles, skills and vocabulary.
• To contribute to the moral, social, ethical and religious development of the students.
• To develop an awareness in students of the implications of Religion for the individual, the community and the environment.
• To allow students to develop informed opinions and be able to support them by reasonable arguments that recognises the possible limitations of the ideas and concepts used.

KS4

YEARS 9, 10 AND 11
At Key Stage 4 all students study towards a GCSE in Religious Education accredited by the AQA Examination Board.  The modules that we choose to study at GCSE level allow students to investigate ethical and moral issues at a deeper level, investigate further the reasons behind religious belief and to understand these in relation to the multi-ethnic, multi-faith society of the UK.  Students are encouraged to explore their own beliefs and express and explain their own opinions about religious and moral problems.

The GCSE units are:

• Christian Practices and beliefs
• Islam: Beliefs and practices
• Thematic Studies

The aims of the programme of study are:

• To enable students to be familiar with a body of Religious knowledge, principles, skills and vocabulary.
• To develop an awareness in students of the implications of Religion for the individual, the community and the environment.
• To allow students to develop informed opinions and be able to support them by reasonable arguments that recognises the possible limitations of the ideas and concepts used.

Progression
Religious Studies is an extremely well-respected academic subject.  Students can progress from this course on to AS and A2 level Ethics, Philosophy of Religion and Development in religious Thought.

If students are looking for a career in law, medicine, social work, teaching or any other job that involves working with people, Religious Studies is the subject to do.

KS5

Exam Board: OCR’s A Level in Religious Studies (H573)
Our A Level in Religious Studies provides a coherent and thought-provoking programme of study. Students develop their understanding and appreciation of religious beliefs and teachings, as well as the disciplines of ethics and the philosophy of religion. The course requires students to be enthusiastic and disciplined.  This course suits students who can cope with challenging ideas.  It will develop the skills needed to examine ethical, historical and religious issues in a critical, analytical and understanding way.

The 3 exam components focus on: 

• In Philosophy of religion learners will study philosophical issues and questions raised by religion and belief.
• Religion and ethics is characterised by the study of ethical language and thought, with exploration of key concepts and the works of influential thinkers.
• Developments in religious thought provides an opportunity for the systematic study of one religious tradition.

The key skills that students can develop during this course are:

• To encourage the students to develop an interest in and enthusiasm for a rigorous study of religion
• To treat the subject as an academic discipline by developing knowledge and understanding appropriate to the study of religion
• To encourage the students to use an enquiring and empathetic approach to the study of religion

Progression
The subject is good preparation for a career in education, journalism, law and media.  Ethics produces students who have an enquiring mind, an appreciation of different viewpoints and an ability to come to clear, balanced decisions.  These skills are highly valued by employers.

For more detailed information on the course content and assessment please refer to the examination board website: http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-a-level-gce-religious-studies-h173-h573-from-2016/

Enrichment Activities

• Revision clubs
• Visits to local religious building
• Trips abroad - Rome

THE RE TEAM

 

RE Statement for Entitlement for Church Schools

RE Curriculum Intent

RSHE Principles and Charter