Religious Studies
Understanding and developing an appreciation for various religious beliefs helps develop tolerance and fraternity in addition to more academic considerations of the subject.
Much can be learnt about a society by studying its secular and non-secular beliefs.
Much can be learnt about a society by studying its secular and non-secular beliefs.
Aims
The subject contributes to the general humanities education of the school by promoting a sympathetic awareness of the world's great religious traditions. Religious studies seeks to develop a willingness to explore questions concerning the meaning and purpose of life and encourage reflection on moral issues. The subject seeks to develop the written skills necessary for exam success, organisation understanding and evaluation.
Years 7 to 9
Year 7 - Festivals in world religions
During this year the attempt is made to explore the concerns of the major world religions by studying their festivals. Festivals studied include Divali, Holi, Passover, Hanukah, Christmas, Easter, Ramadan, Eid Ul Fitr and Baisakhi.
Year 8 - Founders and Faith
During this year pupils study the founders of the worldds great faiths as well as their religious philosophies and the way in which those philosophies impact upon contemporary ceremonies associated with birth, death, coming of age and marriage.
Year 9 Ethics
During this year pupils study the foundation of social ethics, the meaning of citizenship, elementary ethical systems and are given the chance to explore their own reactions to today's issues such as sexuality, drug abuse, the environment and prejudice.
Years 10 and 11 - GCSE
All students study AQA specification B at either short course or full course. Students study philosophy and ethics, covering such topics as the existence and nature of God, suffering and evil, moral issues, truth and spirituality. The course culminates in one or two short examinations.
6th Form
Students study for the OCR qualification in Philosophy of Religion and Religious Ethics.
The course culminates in four short exams.
The course culminates in four short exams.
