Religious Education
We study RE in order to make sense of an ever-changing and diverse world underpinned by the phenomena of belief. It provides students with a platform to learn to respect themselves and understand their own identity, to respect others, and to understand their own and others' rights and responsibilities. At a time when communities are becoming more diverse there is an even greater need for a more religiously literate and tolerant society. RE, therefore, plays a key role in creating social cohesion and generating genuine understanding between communities, reducing intolerance and social unrest. Ultimately, RE serves to develop students’ social, moral and spiritual awareness.
Principles
Through an in-depth study of philosophical, ethical and religious ideas and the pedagogy of critical realism, students are given the opportunity to:
- Critically analyse the significance of religion and belief in the modern world.
- Acquire an awareness of the wider cultural and religious perspectives in their analysis of the positive and negative implications of religion and belief.
- Establish clear linking of knowledge and application to reach a well substantiated judgement about the role of religion and belief in the modern world.
- Evaluate aspects of religion and belief, including their significance and influence.
- Adopt an enquiring, critical and reflective approach to the study of religion
- Reflect on and develop their own values, opinions and attitudes in light of their study.
Key Stage 3 content
Year 7:
In Year 7, students begin with the Belief and Unbelief topic which explores key issues in the philosophy of religion. Students then begin their enquiry into the Abrahamic religions starting with the key beliefs, teachings and practices of Judaism. In the final term, Year 7 explore Christianity as a living religion through the theological and sociological impacts of belief.
The philosophy of religon unit of work was chosen to introduce students to the essence of RE as an academic discipline through the pedagogy of critical realism. For Year 7 students, this unit of work will be the first time they are exposed to RE critically. It will therefore allow students to explore the discipline of RE, develop fundamental skills whilst also gaining a comprehensive understanding of the critical nature required for the subject. Our aim is to ensure students thoroughly enjoy learning about the valuable life lessons RE has to offer.
Year 8:
The study of the beliefs, teachings and practices of Judaism. Sikhism as a living religion, key philosophical and ethical themes around human rights and justice.Finally, the study of Islam's beliefs, teachings and practices takes place in term 3.
The Year 8 RE curriculum will allow students to explore leading historical religions of the world. This unit of work is characterised by its historical, moral, and theological nature. Students investigate the phenomena of identity and its relation to politics and religion.
Year 9:
The study of the beliefs, teachings and practices of Islam, Ultimate Questions, key philosophical and ethical themes around morality.
Students are given the opportunity to explore questions of meaning, purpose and truth. The lessons ensure students engage critically with the ultimate questions and equips them with the necessary skills to decipher different arguments using philosophical reasoning.
Key Stage 4 content
Beliefs, teachings and practices of:
- Christianity
- Islam
Four religious, philosophical and ethical studies themes
- Theme A: Relationships and families.
- Theme D: Religion, peace and conflict.
- Theme E: Religion, crime and punishment.
- Theme F: Religion, human rights and social justice
The RE GCSE will allow students to:
- Develop their knowledge and understanding of religions and non-religious beliefs, such as atheism and humanism
- Develop their knowledge and understanding of religious beliefs, teachings and sources of wisdom and authority, including through their reading of key religious texts, other texts and scriptures of the religions they are studying
- Develop their ability to construct well-argued, well-informed, balanced and structured written arguments, demonstrating their depth and breadth of understanding of the subject
- Reflect on and develop their own values, belief, meaning, purpose, truth and their influence on human life
- Reflect on and develop their own values, beliefs and attitudes in the light of what they have learnt and contribute to their preparation for adult life in a pluralistic society and global community.
Extra Curricular
Students are given the opportunity to visit key religious buildings and sites as part of their study of RE.
Careers
RE provides excellent preparation simply for living life in a pluralistic society and global culture. With the key transferable skills gained, these are highly sought after in a broad range of other disciplines, including politics, medicine, business, and law, as well as history and literature
Exam Specifications
AQA | 8062 | GCSE Religious Studies A
Curriculum Overview
