Why Study Religious Education?
Here are some thoughts:
“RE teaches you to think about your own beliefs for yourself”
“Religious leaders like Jesus or the Buddha are some of the greatest people ever. We can still learn from them today”
"Three-quarters of the world’s population belong to a religion”
“It helps if you understand people from different faiths”
“In today’s multi-cultural, multi-ethnic society, understanding is vital”
“It helps people make an informed choice on ethical issues”
How will Religious Education be Taught?
Students will learn through a range of styles including:
- group work
- presentations
- research on the web
- class debates
- visits
- talking to members of faith communities
What Religions will be Studied?
Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism are studied throughout Key Stage 3. Christianity and Islam are studied at Key Stage 4.
What will be Studied?
Students will study a wide range of topics that will, hopefully, enable them to learn more about their own beliefs and the beliefs of others. Due to legal requirements, all students will study Religious Education at both Key Stage 3 and 4 (following guidelines set by the Standing Committee for Religious Education).
Key Stage 3
At Key Stage 3, students follow a thematic approach covering three strands:
- Belief and Influence
- People and Influence
- Practice and Influence
In Year 7, topics include:
- An introduction to Religious Education
- Worship (using Hinduism as a case study)
- Christianity
- Buddhism
- The Environment
In Year 8, topics include:
- Buddhism
- Key Figures in Christianity
- The Nature of Personal Faith
- Religion in Art
- Contemporary Moral Issues
Key Stage 4
In Years 9, 10 and 11, all students undertake either short-course or full-course GCSE Religious Education. The school follows the EDEXCEL modular course. The modules followed are: Religion and Life; Religion and Society. Topics covered include:
- Marriage and the Family
- Social Harmony
- Believing in God
- Issues of Life and Death
- Religion and the Media
- Social Responsibility
- Religion and the Environment
- Peace and Conflict
- Crime and Punishment
- Religion and Medical Issues
What are Students Assessed on?
There are two assessment criteria: Learning about Religion tests the students’ knowledge and understanding; Learning from Religion tests students’ evaluative skills. Each Unit has an assessment task at its conclusion: this will contribute to a student’s working level.
Career Opportunities
In many areas of work, employers will look for someone with an enquiring mind, understanding and appreciation of other people’s point of view and motivation, and an ability to come to clear, informed decisions: these are the skills that are developed in Religious Education.
Departmental Staff
Mrs J Seed (Subject Leader)
Ms R Brennan
Mrs J Brabham
Ms R Ross
Mr P Milner