Religious Studies Curriculum Intent ‌ We aim to ensure that all pupils: Are aware of world issues both globally and locally and to know and evaluate the responses of different world views and religions to these issues Develop their understanding of the world and of belief through a diverse and broad range of topics and through the study of the views and main beliefs of all major world religions and atheist or humanist perspectives. Understand how their lives are connected to others and are shaped by the historical and contemporary influence of different religious and world views. Are able to discuss and evaluate issues of morality and from studying different perspectives, they will develop an open and enquiring mind which will help them live in a culturally diverse world. Year 7 RE What will I learn? Half Term 1: Introduction to philosophy. Half Term 2: Introduction to moral issues, crime and punishment. Half Term 3: Overview of the major world religions and intro to Sikhism. Half Term 4: Christianity beliefs and practices. Half Term 5: Buddhism. Half Term 6: Religion and today’s society. Year 8 RE What will I learn? Half Term 1: Religion and life; creation and science. Half Term 2: Environmental issues and the concept of stewardship. Half term 3: Who are you? What makes you, you? Is life sacred or special? Half Term 4: Buddhism topic work. Half Term 5: Who was Jesus? Investigation into the Shroud of Turin. Half Term 6: Topic Work: Ancient Gods investigation and Top Trumps. Year 9 RE What will I learn? Half Term 1: Living with diversity: Prejudice and discrimination including. race and gender. Half Term 2: Prejudice and discrimination in and towards religions, including the Holocaust. Half term 3: Inspirational People. Half Term 4: Investigation into two key religious leaders and women in religion. Half Term 5: Poverty and wealth. Reasons for poverty, extent of poverty. Religious responses to poverty and wealth. Half Term 6: Miracles and religious experiences. Possible explanations including religious and secular. Years 10, 11 QUALIFICATION: Core RE What will I learn? You will learn about a comprehensive range of spiritual, sociological, ethical and moral issues within the programme offered. Topics studied include: • Abortion, euthanasia, fertility treatment, suicide and animal research • Prejudice and racism • Poverty and wealth • War, peace, violence and justice • World religions How will I learn? You will learn in a variety of ways such as teacher led, group and paired discussion, written tasks and interactive activities. We will also use a variety of film clip, where appropriate, to support learning. You will also be involved in collaborative exercises where you will deliver presentations and create displays. How will I be assessed? RE is a non-examined course; however students are assessed regularly throughout the year, both in terms of effort and understanding. This will be by teacher, peer and self-assessment. Possible Careers/Future Pathways: The topics covered require an ability to be enquiring, analytical, critical and yet open-minded. These are qualities which are appreciated by and are appealing to all employers. An understanding of the issues covered also reflects an ability to empathise with and understand other people, which is a requirement in any career dealing with people. Many employers find that people who have a good foundation in Religious Studies have acquired an excellent basis for areas such as human and social development e.g. social work, police force, law, medicine, arm and so on. ‌ Year 12, 13 QUALIFICATION: A-Level Religious Studies (H573) AWARDING BODY: OCR Why study Religious Studies? In studying philosophy, ethics and theology you will be encouraged to think analytically, critically and logically about the world around us and whether there is meaning and purpose to life. You will develop key skills such as the ability to construct well informed and reasoned arguments substantiated by relevant evidence, present responses to questions which are clear and coherent and identify, investigate and critically analyse questions, arguments and issues. What will I learn? We will consider the fundamental questions of our existence, the key moral principles guiding the lives of humans, beliefs about the self, death and the afterlife and the purpose and meaning of life. We will also study significant social and historical developments in religious thought including the changes in secularisation, science, migration, changing roles of men and women, equality and discrimination and different approaches to solving these challenges. In the Philosophy of Religion we will cover contrasting arguments about the existence or non-existence of God, the nature and influence of religious experience and challenges to religious beliefs such as the problem of evil and suffering. In the Religious Ethics part of the course we will study ethical theories that consider how we make moral decisions and apply these to personal, societal or global issues. How will I learn? Discussion and group work will be an important part of your studies. We also use different forms of media to support your learning both in the classroom and at home. To prepare for this you will complete essays throughout the course and you will have plenty of opportunities for exam practice to gain confidence with timing and expectations. How will I be assessed? The course will be assessed through 3 x two hour exams at the end of the two-year course, one on each unit. There is no coursework. What are the entry requirements? 5 GCSE grades at 9 – 4 (or equivalent) including English and Maths. GCSE Religious Studies is not required for studying this subject at A-level, but a grade 5 or above in English is preferable. Possible Careers/Future Pathways: The skills gained are invaluable in a wide range of careers from law to psychology. These skills do not just help out in the world of work, they are important for life. Religious Studies A Level can lead on to a related degree or will be considered favourably alongside other A level subjects for degree courses not directly linked to this subject. Students who have studied Religious Studies previously have gone on to study law, journalism, medicine, nursing, teaching, psychology, philosophy, theology, finance, politics, social services, advertising, business and management. Haydon Bridge High School • North Bank • Haydon Bridge • NE47 6LR email: hbhs@hbhs.co.uk • Tel: 01434 684422