Curriculum Intent
In Religious Studies lessons it is our intention that students will develop a knowledge and understanding of the beliefs and values that have shaped and continue to have an important influence on the world that we live in. In Religious Studies lessons, we will consider challenging questions including the ultimate meaning and purpose of life and beliefs about God, issues of right and wrong, and what it means to be human.
Programmes of Study
Year 7
Students will start with an introduction to religion and philosophy. They will then study the six major religions and philosophy and ethics.
Year 8
Students will study religion and culture in Britain. This will enable them to have a greater understanding of other cultures and religions and further develop their empathy skills. They will then study religious and human rights issues, linking to religious prejudice and tolerance.
Year 9
Students will gain an introduction to morals and ethics by studying a range of moral dilemmas. They will consider the religious, non-religious and moral views on euthanasia, abortion and animal testing. Students will develop their oral and written skills of debate. Students will study a unit of Philosophical questions where they will evaluate questions such as, is there Life After Death? Students will then study a unit on Islam.
Year 10
Students will study the War and Conflict Unit. Students will consider key ethical and philosophical questions that relate to the causes and consequences of war and conflict and investigate warzones influenced by religion and cultural difference like Israel, Palestine. They will then study a unit on Relationships and families. Finally, students will study a unit on Islamic beliefs.
Year 11
Students will study Units from the Christian beliefs section of paper 1. This includes the life and significance of Jesus, creation, life after death, resurrection, sin and salvation. Students will then study Crime and Punishment. This unit covers different moral and philosophical debates on the death penalty, causes of crime, right and wrong, dealing with criminals, social laws and forgiveness.
Marking and Assessment
Formal assessment takes place throughout the year with at least one piece of extended written work per half term at KS3 and at least two pieces at KS4.
Examinations
AQA GCSE Religious Studies - Religions, Philosophy and Ethics
Paper 1 - written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
Paper 2 - written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
Revision Guides/Supporting Resources
CGP Grade 9-1 GCSE Religious Studies: AQA A Revision Guide
Staff Details
Miss Hill – 2nd In department, EAL Lead Teacher and Teacher of Religious Studies
Mrs Lo – Humanities teacher
Mrs Yaqub – Humanities teacher
Miss Main – Head of Humanities
Careers and Progression
The course provides, knowledge, understanding and skills to advance to level 3 further education in Philosophy, Ethics and/or Religious Studies. The skills and knowledge developed on the course are also deemed useful in other further education subjects and help support and complement other subjects like Law, Medicine, Sociology, Psychology and Social Work. Debating is a key skill of this course and is a useful skill within many subjects and employment rout
It could also lead to employment within the following areas; teaching, social work, immigration work, journalism, youth community work or law.