At Key Stage 3 we explore the beliefs and practices of the major world religions. Skills developed include knowledge and understanding of these traditions, and evaluation of some of the philosophical and ethical issues raised through their studies. Lessons are carefully planned to ensure that all students are given a voice and that all can access the learning; the diversity of and within traditions is reflected in our lessons. Students are inspired and motivated through the use of discussion, art, artefacts and real-life experience.
What will students learn?
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Year 7
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Year 8
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Term 1
- How have Christians worked for Justice?
- How are the teachings of Buddhism relevant for today?
Term 2
- Can we prove that God exists?
Term 3
- What does Sanatana Dharma teach about God?
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Term 1
- What does the covenant mean for Judaism, past and present?
- Why do Christians believe that Jesus is the Messiah?
Term 2
- Who was Prophet Muhammad and how should we understand his legacy?
Term 3
- What can we learn about Jesus from the events of Holy Week?
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How will students be assessed?
In each unit of work, lessons include opportunities for students to develop their reading, writing and evaluative skills. Each unit is also designed to improve the religious literacy of students, with an emphasis on learning religious vocabulary. All of which are formally assessed at GCSE.
At the end of each unit of work, students will sit a summative assessment. They will receive individual feedback with clear targets based on their age-related level.
Students also have opportunities to practise their extended writing skills through multiple opportunities to answer evaluation questions which test their ability to use reasoning to justify different points of view.
All students will take a full course GCSE in Religious Studies, beginning in Year 9, using AQA’s Specification A syllabus. Support is provided for all, with clear differentiated lessons and homework, regular stretch and challenge tasks and targeted intervention, particularly through a programme of Catch Up and Revision classes in Y10.
In Paper 1 we explore the central beliefs and practices within Christianity and Islam such as the nature of God and the role of religious believers in local and global communities.
In Paper 2 we investigate Christian and Islamic responses to ethical, philosophical and social issues different perspectives and practices with regard to: the topics below by examining
What will students learn?
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Year 9
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Year 10
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Term 1
- Christian Beliefs
- Islamic Beliefs
Term 2
- Christian Practices
- Revision for February exams
Term 3
- Islamic Practices
- Mock Revision
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Term 1
- Religion, Peace and Conflict
- Relationships and Families
Term 2
- Crime and Punishment
- Religion and Social Justice
Term 3
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How is the course assessed?
The syllabus is exam-based, so there is an emphasis on understanding the key beliefs and practices of Christianity and Islam, and committing technical terminology, key ideas and quotations from sacred texts to memory.
Students sit an end of unit assessment for each element of the course for which they are given both formative and summative feedback. The extended writing section of the course is given particular attention, with multiple opportunities for students to practise their essay writing skills through both classwork and homework.
