Religious Studies

KEY STAGE 3

In Key Stage 3, there are two key strands to the teaching of RS; to learn about religion and learn from religion.

Year 7  

Term 1

At the start of Y7, students study a topic that encourages them to consider the importance of difference in the world but also the similarities people share.  Students are encouraged to discuss what makes them similar or different to other people and to be aware that we share more similarities than difference. 

Term 2

Students look at different festivals in Term 2.  This leads up to Christmas and gives students an awareness of what other religions celebrate.  They should be made aware that these festivals share many similarities.  

Term 3

In term 3, they focus on the teachings on Jesus.  They will learn about these teachings and consider how they apply to everyday situations.  Students should be made aware that even though they may not be Christians, they will share many of the same ideas as the teachings of Jesus. 

Term 4

Students look at the 5 pillars of Islam in term 4.  In the current climate, it is important for students to be aware that Islam is a religion of peace and that terrorism is not what the religion is about.

Term 5

In term 5, students study rites of passage.  This topic focuses on how key milestones are marked by different religions.  Students should be made to consider which milestones are important in their lives.   The focus is again on similarities between different people.

Term 6

In term 6, students focus on the philosophical question of what is God like.  They should be made to question the reasons people have for not believing in God.  This comes at the end of Year 7 as the students are more mature and more able to answer complex questions.

Year 8

Term 1

At the start of Y8, we introduce the idea of Ultimate Questions.  This will be a big focus in Y8 and beyond as it leads into the idea of ethical decision making that is at the heart of religious teachings.  In term 1, they focus on the key questions of how was the world made and is there life after death?  In these lessons, they must be made aware of religious teachings and are encouraged to apply them to moral situations (e.g. should we eat meat?)

Term 2

In term 2, they focus on the existence of evil and suffering and discuss if evil and suffering are evidence for the lack of a God.  Students should be challenged on their ideas on what God is.  They are more mature now and should be challenged to consider their long held views (e.g. God lives up in heaven in the clouds)

Term 3

Students look at Buddhism.  This follows the topic of suffering as a key teaching of Buddhism is the quest to end suffering.  Students will learn about the teachings and be encouraged to apply them in real life situations.

Term 4

Judaism is the topic in term 4.  This is in preparation for the topic of the Holocaust.  Students need to be made aware of key teachings so that they can apply them to moral situations in the Holocaust and also to be aware that there is a lot more to Judaism that the suffering in the Holocaust.

Term 5

In this term, students learn about the Holocaust.  In History, they are studying WW2.  Students need to consider the ethical dilemmas posed by the Holocaust both for the victims and the by-standers.  The final topic in Y8 is an ethical dilemma about the use of technology with a focus on genetic engineering.  They will be asked to consider the ethics involved and apply religious teachings.  This topic is a taster of the kind of issues they will focus on in KS4.

ASSESSMENT

Students are not set homework or assessed in RS at KS3

To fulfill your potential at Key Stage 3 you should:

  • Take part in discussions in lessons;
  • Ask questions - an enquiring mind is key to success in RS;
  • Discuss the key ideas outside of lessons.

Year 7

Year 8

KEY STAGE 4

In Key Stage 4, students will study RS in LORIC time and in off timetable days.  In these sessions they focus on one ethical issue.  In the sessions, they will learn about the ethical issue and the religious teaching around that issue.  They will discuss the issues involved and be encouraged to explore what they think about the religious teachings for that topic.  Each LORIC session has a focus and there is a booklet to complete to ensure all students are learning about the topic and are able to express their views.

To be the best you can be at Key Stage 4 you should:

  • Take part in discussions in lessons;
  • Ask questions - an enquiring mind is key to success in RS
  • Discuss the key ideas outside of lessons.
  • Take part in visits organized as part of the curriculum
ASSESSMENT

There is no assessment or homework as part of KS4 RS

Year 9/Year 10

DEPARTMENT STAFF

Mrs J. Holmes - Director of Post 16 Learning and Careers

Miss J. Samples - Religious Studies and History Teacher

Mr M. Yewman - Religious Studies and Geography Teacher

Mr L. Venn - Religious Studies Teacher 

FURTHER INFORMATION

If you would like to find out more about the Religious Studies Curriculum, please contact Miss J Samples by calling the school on 01933 650496 or by email j.samples@huxlow.northants.sch.uk

Thriving Through Excellence