RE

Subject: Religious Education (RE)

CURRICULUM INTENT

Understanding Christianity and other faiths as living religions forms a crucial part of pupils’ religious education.  We aim to equip pupils with the skills to evaluate religious and ethical issues in depth. We enthuse pupils to deepen their own understanding of God and the impact of religion upon the lives of today’s global citizens. As a Blackburn Diocese Church School the provision and delivery of Religious Education is consistent with the recommendations of the Diocese.

The courses are predominantly Christian, but aspects of Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Buddhism are studied. We encourage pupils to be enquiring, respectful and tolerant and to have an accurate understanding of Christianity, other world religions and world views.  It is our aim that pupils will have a greater understanding of the beliefs and views of others, which will not only promote religious tolerance and harmony within society, but also help them to gain a greater understanding and insight into their own beliefs.

‘How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!’  (Proverbs 16:16)

Loving God,
Guide us to greater wisdom through our learning in RE. Enable us to develop a greater appreciation of our own faith, and a better understanding of the faith of others. Give us courage to put our faith into action.

Amen. 

IMPLEMENTATION

Programmes of Study

Key Stage 3, learning is based upon units of study from the Blackburn Diocese Illuminating Pathways and national Church of England Understanding Christianity syllabi. All pupils follow full course GCSE (AQA Religious Studies Specification A: Christianity, Islam and Themes). 

Year 7

Pupils consider the following questions: What does it mean to be a person of faith? Where in the world is Christianity? Did Jesus really rise from the dead? Where do people go to find affirmation of faith? What happens when faith and courage collide?

Year 8

Pupils consider the following questions: How does society and the media portray Islam? Is it fair? Do sacred texts enable us to respond in times of crisis? Is death the end?  Where is God? What is God?

Year 9

Pupils consider the following questions: What does it mean to be called? Is faith hidden? What does it mean to be a good steward? Can conflict ever be justified? What is the impact of difference and diversity on faith communities? Why should we commemorate the Holocaust?

Year 10

Pupils study the Christianity and Islam paper of the GCSE course. For both religions the Beliefs and Practices are studied.

Year 11

Pupils complete the study for the Themes paper by considering: Relationships and Families; Religion and Life; Religion, Peace and Conflict and Religion; Crime and Punishment.  Throughout the themes, there is a focus on Christianity with Islam being included occasionally as an opportunity for comparison.

IMPACT

Marking and Assessment

Pupils will receive regular age and stage appropriate assessments. Verbal feedback is regular and key assessments receive more detailed written and verbal feedback. The purpose of assessment is to inform pupils, parents and teachers of the progress and security of learning, to encourage pupils to improve their work and to enable them to do so.

Examinations

During Key Stage 3, pupils undertake formal examinations as well as key assessments. Key Stage 4 assessments prepares pupils for two GCSE examinations for the award of AQA Religious Studies GCSE grade 9-1.

Paper 1 – Christianity and Islam – 1 hour 45 minutes – 50% of overall grade.

Paper 2 – Themes without textual studies – 1 hour 45 minutes – 50% of overall grade.

Revision Guides / Resources

AQA Revision Guide – Religious Studies A (9-1) Christianity and Islam.

CGP GCSE AQA A Religious Studies for the Grade 9-1 course.

Staff Details

Miss R Hall – Head of Department

Mrs G Fawcett – Second in Department

Mrs L Ogden – Teacher of RE

Careers and Progression

The study of RE at Key Stage 4 provides an excellent foundation for further academic study in related disciplines such as Philosophy, Theology,  Ethics, Law, Nursing, Politics. Its principles are valued in a range of people related professions where ethical and compassionate decision making is required including teaching, nursing, law, medicine and social work/care.

Watch this short film to find out how studying RE at GCSE and A Level provides you with important life skills and offers opportunities in further education and a wide variety of careers. 

RE 5 year Curriculum Plan

Taking RE Further - Study in Further and Higher Education

 

Imam Amjad delivered a talk to pupils in year 8 on the subject of Ramadan. He returned to school when pupils undertook a sponsored fast day to raise money for the British Red Cross. 

Pupils engaged in Lenten reflection in the school chapel. 

 

Pupils in year 7 took part in a Diwali workshop. As well as finding out about the origins of the celebration, pupils enjoyed a lively dance session, dressing in traditional clothing worn during Diwali and had a go at creating their own Rangoli patterns using special coloured powders. 

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