Religious Studies
Philosophy and Ethics involves the exploration of wide-ranging topics and their effect on the human race. We explore the beliefs held by a variety of people and how these beliefs impact on the daily lives of communities. Experiences common to most of us are visited, origins of practice investigated, influences on behaviour identified and benefits to individuals/communities celebrated. Why humans behave as they do and the consequences of decisions made in daily lives are at the heart of our lessons.
Religious Studies (GCSE) looks in detail at the beliefs, teachings and practices of Islam and Christianity. Those are then applied to a variety of topics – what do religious communities teach about these topics and how do religious believers interpret holy texts in context of the topics? Students are encouraged to question, explore, investigate and compare in each topic, to ensure a thorough understanding of all content.
Year 7
T1 and T2 - Are all Abrahamic religions the same?
An exploration of the Abrahamic religions. The focus is on what each religion believes about God, their similarities and differences, and what the faith looks like.
T3 and T4 - Who is Jesus?
A Historical study of Jesus.
T5 and T6 - Are all Dharmic religions the same?
An exploration of the Dharmic religions. The focus is on what each religion believes about God, their similarities and differences, and what the faith looks like.
Spirited Arts: Get Creative & Review
Year 8
T1 - How is Sikhism different to other Dharmic religions?
An exploration of the religion of Sikhism and it’s unique beliefs. The focus is on what the religion believes about God, the similarities and differences compared to other faiths, and what the faith looks like.
T2 to T4 - Why is there conflict within and between religions?
An exploration of conflict. The focus is on The Middle East, Ireland and India. We also explore the role of conflict resolution and unity through celebration.
T5 and T6 - What does faith in action look like?
A look at how beliefs impact behaviour. The focus is on wealth, charity, the environment and social responsibility.
Spirited Arts: Get Creative & Review
Year 9
T1 - What is real?
An exploration of philosophical approaches to the nature of reality. An introduction to social science and social responsibility.
T2 and T3 - Should people be able to believe and practice what they want?
An exploration of beliefs and practices and the importance rights, responsibilities and tolerance.
T4 - Are all beliefs of equal value?
An exploration of alternative beliefs.
T5 and T6 - Should happiness be the aim of life?
An exploration of the concept of happiness.
Spirited Arts
An exploration of what can we learn about humanity through art and literature?
Get Creative & Review
Core Religious Studies (Year 10)
Does God exist?
A philosophical exploration of a diversity of views about the existence and nature of God. The focus is on arguments for and against the existence of God and responses to faith.
Is there an ethical way to punish someone?
An exploration of the nature of crime, the aims of punishment, the legal system, prisons and the death penalty debate.
Core Religious Studies (Year 11)
Is it ever acceptable to go to war?
An exploration of war and conflict, philosophical and social responses to conflict and war, the causes of war, the impact of war, conscientious objection and pacifism.
KS4 – GCSE Option
AQA 8062 Syllabus A – full course GCSE – samples of work and supportive material can be found on the AQA website: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/religious-studies/gcse/religious-studies-a-8062
Students will sit two exams, Paper 1 dealing with “Beliefs and Teachings” and “Practices”, Paper 2 dealing with the four “Thematic Studies” selected. Each exam is 1 hour and 45 minutes. Our lessons will give the students the opportunity to debate and discuss, write, watch relevant clips and film shorts, and to produce detailed investigation work on the various themes or aspects of, to enhance their learning. 50% of the examination requires students to know and understand religion and belief systems and 50% requires the students to analyse and evaluate aspects of religious belief.
Year 10
T1 - Religion, relationships and family
Students will study religious teachings, and religious, philosophical and ethical arguments, relating to the issues relating to relationships and family, and their impact and influence in the modern world. They will be aware of contrasting perspectives in contemporary British society on all of the issues.
T2 - Christian teaching and beliefs
Students will study the beliefs and teachings of Christianity and their basis in Christian sources of wisdom and authority. They should be able to refer to scripture and/or sacred texts where appropriate. Common and divergent views within Christianity in the way beliefs and teachings are understood and expressed are included throughout. They will explore Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant interpretations and beliefs.
T3 - Religion and life
Students should study religious teachings, and religious, philosophical and ethical arguments, relating to the issues that follow, and their impact and influence in the modern world. They should be aware of contrasting perspectives in contemporary British society on all of the issues.
T4 - Islam teachings and beliefs
Students will study the beliefs and teachings of Islam and their basis in Islamic sources of wisdom and authority. They should be able to refer to scripture and other writings where appropriate. They will explore Sunni and Shi’a interpretations and beliefs.
T5 and 6 - Christian practices
Students will study the influence of the beliefs, teachings and practices studied on individuals, communities and societies. Common and divergent views within Christianity in the way beliefs and teachings are understood and expressed are included throughout. They will explore Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant perspectives, worship and practices.
Year 11
T1 - Religion, crime and punishment
Students will study religious teachings, and religious, philosophical and ethical arguments and their impact and influence in the modern world. They should be aware of contrasting perspectives in contemporary British society on all of the issues.
T2 - Islam practices
Students will study the influence of the beliefs, teachings and practices studied on individuals, communities and societies. Common and divergent views within Islam in the way beliefs and teachings are understood and expressed are included throughout. They will explore Sunni and Shi’a perspectives, worship and practices.
T3 - Religion peace and conflict
Students should study religious teachings, and religious, philosophical and ethical arguments, relating to the issues that follow, and their impact and influence in the modern world. They should be aware of contrasting perspectives in contemporary British society on all of the issues.
T4 - Course revisit
Links to useful websites: