Religious Education
KS3
KS4
KS5 (SIXTH FORM)
Summary
At Key Stage 3, students are introduced to the major world religions, philosophical questions and ethical issues. Students will have the opportunity to learn about religious responses, as well as to explore their own, to questions about identity, belonging, meaning, purpose, truth, values and commitments.
In Years 7 and 8, topics will include comparing and contrasting worship within and between religions; the Buddhist response to suffering; whether Jesus was who he said he was; and, if genetic engineering is morally right.
Summary
From Year 9, students study the AQA Religious Studies GCSE, specification A. All students sit at least the short course GCSE in Year 10; whilst some students may opt to take the full course GCSE exam in Year 11.
At GCSE, students study the beliefs and practices of two world religions and their responses to ethical issues and philosophical questions. Themes include ‘War, peace and conflict’ and ‘Families and Relationships’. Students consider contrasting beliefs from religious and secular perspectives within the context of contemporary British society.
Religious Studies at GCSE lays a good foundation for further study of Religious Studies at A Level and complements other related A Level subjects including Philosophy, Law, History, History of Art, Government and Politics, Sociology and English Literature.
Course details
It is a legal requirement that all students take an examination course in RE at KS4. Students have already begun their GCSE studies in Year 9 and these will continue into Year 10, when students will sit an external exam during the Summer Term.
Students study for the AQA Religious Studies A syllabus.
GCSE Short course
For the short course GCSE students study:
The beliefs, teachings and practices of Christianity, Islam + Two religious, philosophical and ethical studies from:
Theme A: Relationships and families
Theme B: Religion, peace and conflict
Click here to see further detail from AQA's website
GCSE Full course
For the full course GCSE students study:
The beliefs, teachings and practices of Christianity, Buddhism + Four religious, philosophical and ethical studies from:
Theme A: Relationships and families
Theme B: Religion and life
Theme C: The existence of God and revelation
Theme D: Religion, peace and conflict
Theme E: Religion, crime and punishment
Theme F: Religion, human rights and social justice
Click here to see further detail from AQA's website
TYPICAL ACTIVITIES
- Discussion and debate of contemporary moral issues. For example, should animals be tested on? Should the legal limit for abortion be lowered? Is enough being done to tackle racism in football? Considering the ‘Big Questions’ like ‘Does God exist? Is there life after death? Why is there suffering and evil?
- Interpreting religious teachings and applying them to modern day scenarios. For example, how does a belief in stewardship influence decisions about how we treat the environment?
- Formulating and expressing opinions. Exploring our own views, and those of others, to engage in the issues and questions that religion raises. To be able to vocalise and write down those views, from a religious or non-religious perspective.
opportunities
While we don't currently offer A Level Religious Education, there are numerous opportunities for Sixth Form students to continue to engage in religious and philosophical debate and exploration. There is an active Christian Worship group which meets weekly and senior students are regularly involved in school Chapel services, and the general life of the Chapel.