Course statements- Rep;hp9iri86796995ligious Studies 2015-2016
Year 7 9 1 1 10
At Key Stage 3 in RS we follow The Local Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education in Kirklees and Calderdale.
In year 7pupilsare challengedwith such questions as “What is religion?” and “Does religion challenge injustice and poverty?” They are encouraged to investigate and respond to a range of important questions concerning both individuals and the wider community, whilst showing understanding of both different religious and secular perspectives. Pupils will be encouraged to share their own opinions in a safe and secure learning environment . At times issues of a sensitive nature may be discussed, for example news items that may have a direct influence upon the communities in which we live. Pupils will use a range of research methods to examine and critically evaluate varied perspectives and approaches to issues of community cohesion, respect for all and mutual understanding locally,nationally and globally.
Year 8
At Key Stage 3 in RS we follow The Local Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education in Kirklees and Calderdale.
In year 8 pupils build upon the skills learned in Y7 as we explore a number of moral and ethical issues, such as how we should treat animals and the environment. Pupils will be challenged to develop and share their own views, whilst considering those of others. They will be given opportunities to investigate and analyse the beliefs and practices of religions and other world views using a range of arguments and evidence to interpret and evaluate issues. They will be encouraged to draw balanced conclusions. At times issues of a sensitive nature may be discussed, for example news items that may have a direct influence upon the communities in which we live.
Year 9
In Year 9 pupils begin preparing for the GCSE in Religious Studies. They examine and evaluate a range of ethical, moral and philosophical concepts, such as the Sanctity of Life (a key teaching relevant to each topic studied) and religious and scientific arguments about the origins of life. They are taught skills of evaluation and assessment which they are encouraged to use both in written essays and spoken debate.
The GCSE course will commence in the early part of the Spring term and pupils will study the teachings, values and practices of two major world religions as well as continue to explore a range of moral and ethical issues.
Year 10
In year 10 pupils continue to study GCSE Religious Studies. They will complete the final units of Religion & Life (Unit 2) Religion & Animal Rights, and Religion & Prejudice. As well as being able to express their own views and opinions, they will be evaluating various contemporary moral and ethical issues, and examining and applying the views of Christians, Muslims and Hindus.
Year 11-CORE
In year 11 core RS pupils are working towards GCSE RS (short course). They will complete the final two units of Religion & Morality, Religious Attitudes to Matters of Life (Medical Ethics) and Religious Attitudes to Drug Abuse. As well as being able to express their own views and opinions, they will be evaluating various contemporary moral and ethical issues, and examining and applying the views of Christians, Muslims and Hindus.
The exam will take place on Monday 23rd May and in preparation for this pupils will be given revision materials and invited to attend revision classes, full details of which will be released at a later date.
Year 11-OPTION
In year 11 the RS option group are studying the second unit of their GCSE course, Religion & Morality. They shall be exploring a range of topics such as Religious Attitudes to Matters of Life (Medical Ethics), and Religious Attitudes to Rich and Poor in British Society. As well as being able to express their own views and opinions, they will be evaluating various contemporary moral and ethical issues, and examining and applying the views of different religious groups.
The students will sit two exams Unit 2 on Wednesday 18th and Unit 3 Monday 23rd May; in preparation for this pupils will be given revision materials and invited to attend revision classes, full details of which will be released at a later date.
Year 12
At AS students are studying two units from the AQA specification; Religion, Philosophy and Science, and Islam- The Way of Submission. Both units require an exploration of knowledge, followed by an evaluation of ideas. The Philosophy unit encourages the students to consider the relationship between religion and science, and arguments for the existence of God will be studied and evaluated. The Islam unit introduces students to the basic beliefs and practices of Islam which they are then required to evaluate in the context of the modern world, social changes and scientific development.
The students will sit two exams in May in preparation for which they will be given revision materials and invited to attend revision classes, full details of which will be released at a later date.
Year 13
At A2 students are studying the final two units of the full A level course; Philosophy of Religion and Religious Experience. They will build upon the knowledge and skills learned during year 12. In Philosophy they will continue to study different arguments regarding the existence of God, life after death and the problem of evil. The Religious Experience unit requires students to look at the types ofexperiences, the views of scholars and it’s place in religious traditions. They will also consider whether the argument from Religious Experience is a valid argument for the existence of God. They will be required to view the unit synoptically and consider the links with the other areas of study within the course at AS and A2.
The students will sit two exams in June in preparation for which they will be given revision materials and invited to attend revision classes, full details of which will be released at a later date.