R.E. Department

RE is now offered at all levels throughout the school, compulsory at KS3 and optional at KS4 and 5. The subject is taught by the stalwarts of Mr. Tomlinson (Head of Department) and Mrs. Cummins plus a myriad of other staff.

KS3 – Religious Education

Year 7
The Year 7 course is building on what pupils have already covered in their primary schools. We start by examining a very basic question, which is what is RE? as providing a basic framework for future study. Pupils then go on to look at the questions at the Nature of God, Festivals of Light (Divali, Advent, Channukah and Christmas), The Life of Jesus and a weighing up about the truth of the resurrection and the Life of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and his influence in Islam. Pupils are encouraged to have an open mind and explore religious belief in the way it may impact on their lives and the lives of others.

Year 8
Following on from Year 7 pupils are encouraged to develop their depth and understanding of the subject. Topics covered are:

1. Guru Nanak and Sikhism.
2. Why are some places special?
3. What does justice mean to Christians?
4. The Environment.
5. Science versus Religion.
6. Suffering.
   

Year 9
The theme for Year 9 is following the two certainties in the life of every human being – life and death. Pupils are encouraged to think about their own views and consider the view of others. Topics will include:

1. Birth.
2. Life after Death.
3. Abortion.
4. Euthanasia.
5. Capital Punishment.
6. War and Peace.
   

KS4 Religious Studies
At KS4, pupils follow the AQA GCSE syllabus B. This builds on what pupils have covered at KS3. The course they study is of two modules – one each in Year 10 and 11 through two world religions – in this case it is Islam and Christianity. Part of the GCSE can be taken early in Year 10 if pupils show particular promise. The course consists of the following content:

Module 3 – Faith Studies and Ethics in Two Religions

1. Prayer and worship in Islam and Christianity including forms of prayer and worship, religious buildings, use of holy books and religious leaders.
2. Prejudice and discrimination in society with particular reference to religious prejudice, racism, sexism and homophobia.
3. Sex and contraception.
4. Marriage and divorce.
5. Family – the idea of family values duties of parents and children, religious birth ceremonies and raising a child in a religious home.
6. Animal rights (do they have any?) and the environment.
   

Module 4 – Truth, Spirituality and Contemporary Issues

1. What is meant by truth?
2. Drug and alcohol abuse in society.
3. Matters of Death.
4. Matters of Life.
5. Rich and poor in society.
   

KS5 Philosophy and Ethics
A new AS level course is just being introduced at KS5. It builds on and develops what pupils have covered lower down the school. There are three modules, which cover a variety of religious issues but expect more in-depth responses:

1. Introduction to Religions .
   • Religious Experiences.
   • Sacred Writings.
2. Ethics .
3. Religion and Science .
   • Creation.
   • Miracles.
   • Does God exist?