Religious Studies and Ethics & Philosophy
Staff
Key stage 3
- Mrs B Carley (Head of Subject)
- Mr T Renwick
- Mr T Smith
Key Stage 4 & 5
- Ms B Carley
- Mr J Rowe
Curriculum Overview
Religious Studies gives students the opportunity to explore some of the deepest and most significant ideas and values that have emerged in human history.
Learning about religious beliefs and practice:- The six main world faiths are studied, to equip students with a sound knowledge and understanding of them and their context in the world we live in. Furthermore, a range of ethical and philosophic issues are covered, considering a range of perspectives, from religious to secular notions.
Learning from the study of religion, philosophy and ethics also provides students with the opportunity to explore, reflect, evaluate and analyse some of humanity’s most profound questions about our existence and the meaning of life.
Religious Studies helps you to develop:-
• Subject specific skills:- Beliefs, teachings , practices and ways of life, forms of expression, identity and belonging, meaning, purpose and truth and values and commitments.
• Generic Study skills:- Communication skills, informed debate, reflection, evaluation, analysis, critical thinking, listening, respect.
• Personal development:- Social, moral, spiritual and cultural.
Key Stage 3 - Religious Studies
Year 7: Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Religion and Science.
Year 8: Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Religion and art.
Year 9: Contemporary Moral Ethical Issues including; Euthanasia, Crime and Punishment, Animal rights, Prejudice and Discrimination, Evil and Suffering, Medical Ethics; Philosophy, Material v’s Spiritual.
Key Stage 5 - Ethics and Philosophy
The examination board we are currently with is Edexcel A-Level for Religious Studies. There are 3x papers that cover the following content:-
Paper 1: Philosophy of Religion (33.33%) 80 marks =2hrs
Philosophical issues, Nature and influence of religious experience, Problems of evil and suffering, Philosophical language, Works of scholars, Influences of developments
Paper 2: Religion and Ethics (33.33%) 80 marks= 2hrs
Significant concepts in issues and debates, Study of three ethical theories, Application of ethical theories, Ethical language, Deontology, Virtue Ethics and the works of scholars, Medical ethics.
Paper 3: New Testament Studies (33.33%) 80 marks= 2hrs
Contexts of the New Testament, Texts and interpretation of the Person of Jesus, Interpreting the text and the purpose and authorship, Ways of interpreting the scripture, Texts and interpretation, Scientific and historical-critical challenge.
Enrichment
At KS3 (Year 7-9) students will have the opportunity to visit a place of worship, such as the Mandir in London, or the Cathedral in Peterborough.
Specialist exhibitions will also be visited (Ashmolen Museum) and may be in collaboration with other departments such as at the local church.
Sixth form students will attend an enrichment and revision conference in Cambridge.