Humans have engaged in religious activities since the beginning of time. Such activities include prayer, worship and rituals and the belief in a great, powerful and supreme being.
As well as looking at these ideas, religion attempts to answer questions such as, “What is the true meaning of life?”, “Why is there suffering in the world?”, “What happens to us after death?” These questions continue to be relevant today.
Religious Education is an exciting and stimulating subject that provides a great opportunity for pupils.
Throughout Years 7, 8, and 9 pupils consider contemporary issues, develop social and cultural awareness, philosophical thought and decision-making skills.
Religious Education enables pupils to be well-informed and balanced on matters concerned with religious beliefs and values in an increasingly global, multi-cultural and multi-faith world.
Year 7
Term 1a:
Introduction to the “Big Six”: Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Religious symbols; founders and festivals; the Christmas Story
Term 1b:
Christianity, Judaism and Islam and Creation Stories
Term 2a:
Hinduism: Intro; God; Symbols; Holy books; Rama and Sita; Diwali; Weddings
Term 2b:
Sikhism: Worship and the Gurdwara; Holy founders; traditions and dress
Term 3a:
Buddhism: Origins; Siddharta and Buddha; Worship and lifestyle
Term3b:
Special Journeys: Pilgrimages; Lourdes; Fatima; Hajj
Year 8
Term1a:
Beliefs, Facts and Opinions: Distinction between those words; identification of beliefs, facts and opinions. Why is religion important to so many?
Term 1b:
The Five Pillars of Islam; Shahadat, Sawm, Hajj, Zakat, Salah
Term 2a:
Inspirational People and the Golden Rule: Martin Luther King; Rosa Parks; Gandhi
Term 2b:
Worship in Christianity and Judaism
Term 3a:
Sikhism: the birth and life of Guru Nanak; Gurdwara; Guru Granth Sahib; 5Ks
Term 3b:
Belief in Witchcraft: interpretations of witches. Who were witches? Were witch trials fair? Jediism: Is Jedi a recognised religion in America?
Year 9
Term1a:
Belief in God: religious upbringing; religious experiences; arguments for the belief in God; arguments against the belief in God; counter-arguments.
Term1b:
Creation Stories: God and Science:
Was the universe designed? The Big Bang: Darwin and the Theory of Evolution. The United Nations: Bill of Human Rights. Children’s Rights. Child soldiers.
Term2a:
Near Death Experiences. The Ten Commandments in Judaism and Christianity. Religious Law. Why do we have laws? Creating your own 10 Commandments.
Term 2b:
The Human Rights Act and the Law: In what ways do humans and animals rights differ? What does religion teach about the treatment of animals?
Term 3a:
Poverty: rich and poor. Pros & cons of equality. Absolute & relative poverty. Arguments for and against helping the poor. Christian attitudes to poverty. Muslim attitudes to poverty.
Term 3b:
Early Tribal Beliefs: the world from the view of tribal people. Witch doctors.
Assessments
Pupils will complete a written assessment at the end of each module to measure their progress and a summative exam.
Pupils do not receive homework in RE at Key Stage 3.
Further Study
The study of Religious Education helps pupils to think critically, listen emphatically, speak thoughtfully and write clearly. Skills gained through the study of this subject include the ability to understand the impact of conflicting ideologies and different sides of an argument before arriving at a balanced conclusion.
These are transferable skills that will benefit pupils in any future career. The ability to appreciate and understand human diversity, belief systems and cultural and spiritual experiences would be useful in any profession that brings you into contact with other people.
Department Staff
Ms S Ahsan
Head of Drama / Teacher of Religious Education
Mrs A Rhodes
Teacher of Religious Education