RE

Year 7

Aims:
To enable students to acquire knowledge and understanding of religion and to develop the ability to explore and reflect on human experience.

Content:
The course consists of the following units:
• Where do we look for God? (involving an investigation into some theories of how the world began)
• How does Jesus affect the life of modern Christians?
• What is the role of religious leaders and how important is Mohammed to Muslims?
• What are we doing to the environment and what do the main religions have to say about the natural world?

Grouping Arrangements:
Students are taught in their mixed ability form groups

Homework:
Every third week as part of a rotation with Geography and History

Assessment:
Students are assessed in three written assessments based on the first three units under ‘Content'.

Year 8

Aims:
To enable students to:
• Develop their knowledge and understanding of ways in which religions communicate meaning through symbols and language
• Recognize religion as a significant element in human experience and show understanding of how beliefs in different religions influence the actions of individuals, families, communities and organisations.

Content:
The course includes a thematic study of how symbolism is used in religious festivals and worship. Students explore the similarities and differences to be found in the festivals of different faiths. Another unit of work focuses on the life and teachings of Jesus and St Paul to investigate where Christians get their ideas of justice. Students also find out how beliefs of Sikhs affect their actions. To finish, they complete part 1 of philosophy of religion, comparing three of the arguments for the existence of God.

Grouping Arrangements:
By ability

Homework:
Every third week as part of a rotation with Geography and History

Assessment:

A combination of graded class work and homework tasks and three more formal end of unit assessments.

Additional Information:

Work is kept in folders stored in the classroom. Homework comes home in a plastic folder (provided) and, when marked, joins other work in the classroom folder. Pens, pencils and crayons are essential equipment.

Year 9

Aims:
During Key Stage 3 students study the six major world religions, following the Cambridgeshire RE Agreed Syllabus.

Content:
In Year 9 there are four units which cover:
• Beliefs about God and arguments about the origins of the universe
• Investigating Buddhism
• Rites of Passage
• The Christian Church and its different denominations

Grouping Arrangements:
By ability

Homework:
Every third week as part of a rotation with Geography and History

Assessment:
Formal assessments listed below are used to determine levels of knowledge and understanding of the content and also in the Key RE Skills which are:

• Expression
• Analysis
• Evaluation
• Reflection
• Application
• Synthesis
• Empathy
• Investigation
• Interpretation.

Essay about how the universe began
Poster on aspects of Buddhism
Rites of Passage exercise about Marriage/Coming of Age ceremony
Question on Christian Church

Years 10 & 11

RELIGIOUS STUDIES GCSE (OCR 1931) SPECIFICATION B,PHILOSOPHY AND ETHICS

What kinds of work will I be doing?

This course involves two main areas of study, the nature and key concepts of two major religions and ethical considerations for members of these faiths. This includes looking at science and religion, life and death, good and evil, equality, medical ethics, and peace and justice. This allows discussion and comparison between Christianity and Hinduism.

What skills will I need?

You should enjoy debating and trying to view a concept or idea from someone else's point of view. An ability to investigate and question ideas, as well as present your own point of view are also important.

How will I be marked?

Two examinations of 1 hour 30 minutes and two pieces of coursework,
1500 words each.