Religion, Philosophy and Ethics

Curriculum Intent 

The principle aim of Religion, Philosophy and Ethics is to explore what people believe and what difference this makes to how they live, so that pupils can gain the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to handle questions raised by religion and belief, reflecting their own ideas and ways of living.
 
RPE at Church Stretton School is based on the Shropshire Locally Agreed Syllabus. Our curriculum emphasises personal development of pupils and helping them to gain their own worldviews. The curriculum offers opportunities to explore some of the big questions addressed by religious traditions and non-religious philosophical convictions. Through their encounters with the responses of these traditions to big questions, pupils will learn that having a good and meaningful life and being a good person are achievable by anyone, regardless of whether they are religious or not. RPE also makes a significant contribution to pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, as well as giving opportunities to explore British values.

 

Year 7:

In year 7 students begin with a study of comparative religions, the basis of faith and worship and key similarities in religions in the modern world. Through this unit they will look at the connections between major religions and why religion is still important in the world today. The following two terms of year 7 will be dedicated to an in-depth study of Christianity and Islam. Focusing on the founders of both religions and relevance on both faiths in the UK today.

Year 8:

Student continue with their in-depth analysis of a major religion by examining Judaism; they will have the opportunity to look at Judaism in the world today and how it impacts on family life. In term 2, we focus on key sources of authority for Christianity, Islam and Judaism, both from holy books and moral codes. In the summer term of Year 8 students will examine places of worship for the six major religions. 

Year 9:

Students in Year 9 will study two main units: Ethics and Philosophy. The units studied in Year 7 and 8 will provide a baseline for students to understanding ethical questions and religious viewpoints on such things as the sanctity of life, animal rights and the relevance of religion. In the second part of Year 9, students will be exploring philosophical issues through the prism of religion including arguments around the existence of God, evil and suffering and the belief in miracles.

How can you support your child:

· Encourage wider reading

· Ask them about what they have learnt today

· Help them to structure revision for tests and assessments

· Support the completion of homework

· Use the knowledge organisers regularly to refresh previous work

Curriculum Overview 

Knowledge Organiser

Year 7

Year 8 

Year 9 

Web Links

http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/topics/z6bw2hv

http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/topics/ztrqxnb

 

Years 10-11

Introduction and Overview

EDUQAS Exam Board

Paper 1: Religious, Philosophical and Ethical Studies in the Modern World

Candidates will study the following four themes. All questions are compulsory.

  • Theme 1:Issues of Relationships
  • Theme 2:Issues of Life and Death
  • Theme 3:Issues of Good and Evil
  • Theme 4:Issues of Human Rights

Paper 2: Study of Christianity

Candidates will study the beliefs, teachings and practices of Christianity.

Paper 3: Study of a World Faith

Candidates will study the beliefs, teachings and practices of Judaism

How to support your child

We are sure that you already do many of these things to support your child but here is a useful reminder for you to refer to:

  • Encourage wider reading
  • Ask them what they have learnt today
  • Help them to structure revision for tests and assessments
  • Make good use of BBC Bitesize
  • Use revision guides to complete practice papers
  • Ensure homework is complete to the deadline

Curriculum Overview 

Knowledge Organiser

 Year 10

Web Links

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/geography/

http://www.coolgeography.co.uk/GCSE/AQA%20GCSE.htm

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news

Additional Reading

Use the in-house revision guide in tandem with lesson in year 11