Teachers: Mrs A Cresswell, Miss L Erro-Castillo, Miss H Bird

Curriculum

Key Stage 3

In line with the Gloucestershire Agreed Syllabus, students undertake a study of religions and spirituality in the world today.  Meaningful questions encourage an exploration of different concepts and perspectives, contributing to their own personal development.  We aim to help prepare our students for the challenges of the future, and to enable them to discern what is of value within and outside religious traditions.  

The focus in Key Stage 3 is to engage students in developing a broader understanding of beliefs and the impact of religion on people’s lives and on society.   Students are able to express their own responses to the religious, philosophical and ethical issues raised.  

In Year 7 students will undertake a study of the main world religions and non-religious perspectives using a thematic approach.  They will explore how belief and practice is applied in everyday life and the impact on society.  Students will gain an understanding of the similarities and differences in religious beliefs and values.  

In Year 8 students explore different responses to ultimate questions such as ‘Why is there suffering?’ or ‘Is there life after death?’  Students will develop their understanding of these complex questions and be able to express their own ideas and beliefs. 

In Year 9 students focus on the impact of religious and non-religious beliefs in the wider society.  Topics such as Prejudice and Discrimination, Conflict and Peace, Poverty and Religion and the Media provide a good foundation for their GCSE in Key Stage 4.

Key Stage 4

GSCE Religious Studies – Edexcel 

All students undertake the Full Course, enabling them to explore the significance and impact of religious beliefs, teachings and practices.  Students will reflect on fundamental questions and enhance their personal and social development and understanding of different cultures locally, nationally and in the wider world.  They will develop and articulate their own opinions on a range of topics and gain an understanding of religious perspectives. 

Course Content:  

• Religion and Life (Christianity or Islam):  
• Believing in God – Religious Experience, Atheism, Design, Evil & Suffering
• Matters of Life and Death – Abortion, Euthanasia, Life After Death
• Marriage and the Family – Marriage, Divorce, Homosexuality, The Family Unit
• Community Cohesion – Equal Rights, Living in a Multi-Faith and Multi-Ethnic Society
•  Religion and Society (Christianity and Islam):
•  Rights and Responsibilities – Role of Conscience, Situation Ethics, Genetic Engineering
• Environmental and Medical Issues – Global Warming, Stewardship, Infertility, Transplants
• Peace and Conflict – United Nations, War, Pacifism, Family Conflict
• Crime and Punishment – Law and Justice, Capital Punishment, Issues with Drugs & Alcohol

A Level Philosophy & Ethics - Edexcel 

Students are able to develop their interest in religion, philosophy & ethics, pursuing a rigorous study of religion and how it relates to the wider world.  It is a highly regarded academic subject, demanding an enquiring, critical and reflective approach.  Students will have the opportunity to reflect upon and develop their own values, opinions and attitudes.  

Course Content:  

Philosophy:  A Study of Philosophical Arguments About the Existence of God (Design, Ontological and Cosmological Arguments, Religious Experience, Atheism), Problems of Evil and Suffering, Miracles, Life After Death and Religious Language.  

Ethics:  A Study of Ethical Concepts (The Relationship between Religion and Morality, Utilitarianism, Situation Ethics,  Deontological, Natural Moral Law, Virtue Ethics) and A Study of Selected Problems in Ethics (Issues of War and Peace, Sexual Ethics, Justice, Law and Punishment, Ethical Language, Objectivity, Relativism, Subjectivism).  

Extra Curricular:

Annual Philosophy & Ethics Conference