Religious Studies

What is Religious Studies ?
Religious Studies informs pupils about the role and significance of religion in the modern world and the important beliefs and values that shape it. It covers a wide range of topics, all of which help to improve understanding of people and the religious influences in their lives. Religious Studies contributes to the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of all pupils, enabling them to grow in:

• self-awareness
• respect for all
• open-mindedness
• appreciation and wonder

It develops the skill of critical thinking, so that pupils are encouraged to make reasoned judgements about different real life issues that affect them, for example, what is worthy of respect and what is not.

Aims & Objectives:
The Years 7 – 9 Religious Studies course is intended to guide the understanding of pupils, through educating the whole child towards a maturity of decision-making and living, which reflects God’s love for His people and for all His creation. It also provides a foundation for the GCSE Religious Studies course (Years 10 & 11), which is based on the same two elements – the Gospels and Christianity Today.

Pupils will study and learn:
Pupils will discover how the beliefs and practices of Christianity affect the way in which people lead their lives. Students study a different Gospel each year, as well as a KS3 scheme called The Way, The Truth, the Life.

Year 7:
Students study the Gospel of St. Mark, including an appreciation of the principal events in Jesus’ life, His
authority and His teaching.

In The Way, the Bible, Prayer, the Sacraments and the Church’s mission are studied.

Year 8:
Students study the Gospel of St. Luke, emphasising that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah, with a particular
concern for women, the poor and outcasts. The Infancy Narratives are studied in depth in this year.

In The Truth, Creation is studied and God’s relationship with His people is explored through studying ideas of covenant, the Eucharist, the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus, and the role of the Church in the modern world. You will also be able to trace the development of Christianity from Judaism.

Year 9:
Students study the Gospel of St. Matthew, developing an understanding of the mission and message of Jesus, such as through the Sermon on the Mount, and the Easter Story.

In The Life, the individual’s purpose and vocation in life is explored, as is the role of individual conscience. You also study Jesus and the Holy Spirit in increasing depth, leading to a study of the individual’s role in and responsibility towards the human community. You will also have the opportunity to explore the similarities between Christianity and Islam.

Assessment:
Throughout each year, continuous assessment takes place, for example through homework assignments, projects and end of module tests. In the summer term of each academic year, a formal exam will be set based on the work of that year.