Religious Education

Head of Department: Miss C Bailey

Introduction of the R.E. Curriculum

Pupils will be introduced to philosophical, religious and ethical study using a wide range of enjoyable and interactive tasks.  We explore ‘ultimate’ or philosophical questions through independent thinking and class debate.  We analyse the six main world religions: Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Sikhi, Hindu Dharma and Buddhism. In lessons, pupils will reflect on the beliefs, teachings and practices of these religions. We assess what it means to be ‘ethical’ and how we all, as human beings, try to make the right decisions when faced with moral dilemmas in life.

The curriculum intends to develop pupils’ knowledge and understanding of worldviews, religious traditions and non-religious worldviews. The curriculum aims for pupils to be able to know more, remember more and do more. Pupils will learn how religious identity influences people’s lives. Pupils are encouraged to consider and express their own opinions about the value and nature of religion, for both people and our planet. It is the aim of the Religious Education curriculum at Hartshill that pupils will develop their skills of listening, oracy, enquiry, analysis and evaluation.

Religious Education is a highly regarded academic subject. It is traditional enough to be highly respected by employers and Universities, but modern enough to engage with people of any age - the content is relevant to everyone.

Transferable skills:

  • Critical and analytical thinking skills
  • An ability to interpret information, formulate questions and solve problems
  • Personal reflection
  • Discursive and persuasive writing
  • The ability to express complex ideas
  • Research and presentation skills
Homework

This will be set weekly. Homework is in the form of pre-learning and revising key content.

Assessment

Lessons include knowledge retrieval questions to assess prior learning. Lessons also involve the active use of mini whiteboards to check for understanding, to provide real time feedback and to deal with misconceptions quickly. Additionally, pupils will complete independent direct practice questions in lessons, to allow them to demonstrate as well as consolidate their learning in each lesson. Pupils will complete written assessments during the academic year where they will be given teacher feedback on how to improve.

Key Stage 3

Year 7

Pupils begin by exploring the origins of the Abrahamic faiths. We then explore the oldest of the Abrahamic religions: Judaism. This allows pupils to deepen their understanding of Judaism as a religion, but also as the foundation of Christianity.  Pupils will study Christianity once they have completed their exploration of Judaism.

Year 8

Pupils begin this year by studying the final Abrahamic faith: Islam. They will study its origins, rich history, the beliefs and practices of Muslims, and finally an analysis of what it means to be Muslim in today’s world.  Pupils will then study philosophy of religion, exploring themes such as: is there a God? If so, what is God like? We explore theism, atheism and agnosticism. Pupils will consider the Design and Cosmological Argument, as well as the problem of evil and religious experience. Pupils will finish the year exploring the vibrant and fascinating way of life of Hindu Dharma. 

Year 9

Pupils begin by studying a topic called ‘Issues of Life and Death’. During this topic, pupils explore how different people make their ethical decisions. By analysing thought provoking hypothetical moral quandaries pupils will begin to evaluate how they make their own moral choices as well as how varying philosophers believe one should try to work out the best course of action in any given situation. After this, pupils will apply their new knowledge to different ethical topics that have troubled mankind for centuries such as capital punishment and the treatment of animals. Following on from this unit pupils will study a topic called ‘Issues of Equality’. Pupils will explore varying historical and modern social issues, reflecting on historical and societal contexts. Pupils will consider religious stances on topics such as racism, sexuality and gender equality.

Key Stage 4

Pupils can opt to study Religious Studies at GCSE. We study the EDUQAS Route A course
 
The GCSE course is split in to three components:

Component 1: Religious, Philosophical and Ethical studies in the modern world:

  • 50% of GCSE grade, assessed via a 2-hour exam.
  • In this unit pupils will study four topics: Issues of relationships, Issues of life and death, Issues of Good and Evil and finally Issues of Human Rights.


Component 2: Study of Christianity:

  • 25% of GCSE Grade, assessed via a 1-hour exam.
  • In this unit pupils will explore the beliefs, teaching and practices of Christianity.


Component 3: Study of Islam:

  • 25% of GCSE grade, assessed via a 1-hour exam
  • In this unit pupils will explore the beliefs, teaching and practices of Islam.
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