Religious Studies

KS3

 

Year 7

In Year 7, RS is taught during one lesson a week and looks at the foundations of the six world main religions; Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism and Judaism. Pupils study the background to these religions, key features, inspirational leaders, festivals and stories.

 

Year 8

In Year 8 pupils look at moral issues and key questions in life. Pupils begin by analysing how religion can be a force for good/bad, how the world was created, wealth and poverty, animal rights and ideas of good versus evil.

 

KS4

 

Years 9-11

Students will be completing the new AQA Religious Studies specification in Year 9 and have two lessons per week. This GCSE will have two components and will be assessed under the new grading system of 1-9.

 

Component 1: Beliefs, teachings and practices of two religions:

This unit will develop students understanding of specific religious belief. It is assessed through one 1.45hr exam paper at the end of Year 11. In this unit students will study:

 

Christianity

Key beliefs, Jesus Christ and Salvation, worship and festivals, the role of the church in local and worldwide community.

 

Islam

Key beliefs, The authority of the Qur’an and Muhammad, Worship, duties and festivals

 

Component 2: Thematic studies

This unit will consider religious, philosophical and ethical studies from both religious and non-religious viewpoints. It is assessed through a 1.45hr exam at the end of Year 11 and will be worth 50% of the total GCSE marks. It contains 4 themes:

 

Theme A: Relationships and families

Contraception, sexual relationships before marriage, homosexual relationships, families and gender equality

 

Theme B: Religion and life

Abortion, euthanasia, animal experimentation, the origins and value of the universe, the origins and value of human life

 

Theme D: Religion, peace and conflict

Violence, weapons of mass destruction, pacifism, the causes of violence, terrorism and war

 

Theme E: Religion, crime and punishment

Corporal punishment, the death penalty, forgiveness, the causes of crime, the aims of punishment.