KS3

During Year 7, RE is taught in tutor groups. There is a baseline assessment in the first term and then we look at philosophical questions such as whether the design argument can prove the existence of God. Later we study each of the six world religions in the form of student research and presentation. We then move onto study beliefs and worship in Buddhism and Judaism for the rest of the year.

Year 8 RE is taught in mixed ability groups. The first term concentrates on different creation stories and we then study belief and worship in Islam. The syllabus then looks towards belief and worship in Christianity, followed by a project which consolidates and draws on the learning from both religions studied.

Year 9 RE is also taught in mixed ability groups. Students study marriage, divorce and death, with the opportunity to consider their own values and views. We then study the main beliefs in Hinduism and Sikhism. Students then consider other modern day issues relating to ethical consumerism and complete the year with a unit on religion and the media.

Lessons across the year groups involve different activities and resources to allow all students to access the Learning Objectives. Different learning styles are accommodated through use of drama, creative work, research, use of the Interactive Whiteboard, use of ICT, group work, pair work, class discussion, personal reflection, images, media and others.

GCSE RE

Students have the opportunity to follow a full GCSE course in RE and over the years this has proved a popular choice. The course involves a detailed study of the beliefs and practices of both Islam and Christianity and uses a variety of methods and resources to achieve the two main learning objectives; to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the key elements of the religions studied and the corporate and individual effect of them; to produce evidence and arguments to support and evaluate a point of view.

The examination has one tier of entry, and 20% of the final mark is decided by a coursework element. The coursework is spread across the two years, 10% in Year 10 focusing on religion and the media, and 10 % in Year 11 studying religion and medical issues. At the end of year 10 students take an exam which is 40% of their final grade. Then at the end of Year 11 they are examined on the work they have completed in Year 11 only. These grades are put together to provide the final GCSE grade.

All Year 10 and 11 pupils follow an R.E. programme of study which deals with Morals, Ethics and Philosophy. Issues that are looked at include Human Relationships, Personal Experience and the Search for Truth, Authority, Global Issues, Right and Wrong and Suffering and Evil. Pupils are given the opportunity to consider these issues and also their own response to them