Religious Studies
Head of Subject: Mrs C Davis
Assistant Head of Subject: Ms K McKay
The Religious Studies Department has a number of specialist RS teachers, with the majority of RS lessons taking place across 4 classrooms. The Department is well resourced with text books, revision guides, artefacts and digital resources.
Subject Vision
Our intent is to deliver a curriculum that is ambitious and designed to give all pupils, the knowledge and cultural capital they need to succeed in life with the ability to reflect on their own beliefs (religious or otherwise) and perspectives on life, develop knowledge and respect for people’s differing faiths, feelings and values.
Our aim is to provide students with the ability to think for themselves as they study different religious, philosophical, ethical and social issues in Religious Studies.
We aim to encourage students to be critical thinkers and develop their literacy ability in order to debate controversial issues without causing offense to others. We want students to be inspired by Religious Studies, motivated to make a positive difference in the lives of those around them.
Key Stage 3 Intent and Implementation
KS3 Topic Lists
Year 7
Ultimate questions
Poverty & Wealth
Animals & the Environment
Worship
Year 8
Religion & Society
Festivals
Relationships & Families
Medical Ethics
Forgiveness
Religious Studies is taught in mixed ability groups across the full age range. In Years 7 to 9, students are taught in form groups
The Religious Studies Department run a variety of trips throughout the curriculum. In Year 7, students have the opportunity to visit Rochester Cathedral & Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara in Gravesend, this is to support the Year 7 module on Worship. In Year 8, there is a trip to BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden & Harrow Mosque, this trip enables students to complete more thorough research for a Festivals project.
Key Stage 4 Intent and Implementation
GCSE Religious Studies
We believe that Religious Studies is an important subject because every area of life is touched by issues to do with belief. Following a Religious Studies GCSE course will enable students to study and explore what people believe about a range of philosophical and ethical issues. Students will have opportunities to engage with questions about why people believe in God and how beliefs can influence many aspects of their lives. Respect and consideration are also shown towards non-religious approaches to life.
In lessons, students will be expected to think, talk, discuss, question and challenge, reflect on and assess a wide range of questions. As young people growing up in a diverse society, studying religion will help them to understand and relate to people whose beliefs, values and viewpoints differ from their own, and help them to deal with issues arising, not only in school, but in the community and workplace.
The study of religion will also help students to make connections with a whole range of other important areas, such as music, literature, art, politics, economics and social issues.
DESCRIPTION OF THE COURSE
All Year 9 students have been studying the Religious Studies GCSE course since September.
Year 9
Christian Beliefs & Teachings
Christian Practices
Buddhist Beliefs & Teachings
Buddhist Practices
Year 10
Religion, Human Rights & Social Justice
Religion, Crime & Punishment
Religion, Peace & Conflict
Year 11
Religion & Life
ASSESSMENT METHODS
Assessment is by exam papers which contribute 100% of the total marks. Every student in Year 11 takes the full Religious Studies GCSE exam. Assessment is via 2x 1 hour 45 minute examination papers
EXAM BOARD: AQA
SPECIFICATION: 8062
For further details, please click on the link below: