Religious Education is at the heart of curriculum with an engaging learning environment where students are encouraged to reflect both on their own beliefs, values and opinions whilst exploring the religious views of others. As a department, we challenge our students to have a thorough knowledge and understanding of the Catholic faith, as well as a grounding in Christian beliefs and practices. Students are encouraged to reflect on the teachings of the Catholic Church and the impact of those teachings on their daily lives. They have opportunities to discuss and debate spiritual and ethical issues, and to formulate their own opinions backed up by sound reasoning. The RE department facilitate opportunities for students to put their faith into practice through fundraising and other worthwhile causes, which can make a positive contribution to the wider community both locally, nationally and globally.
Religious Education is a compulsory subject for all key stages and follows a programme of study in line with the Bishops Curriculum Directory for Catholic Education 2012.
At Key Stage 3 students study the requirements of the Bishop’s Conference: What does it mean to be a ‘People of God’?
Key Stage 4 students study Edexcel GCSE course in Catholic Christianity with a study of Judaism and Philosophy and Ethics
Key Stage 3
Pupils study the requirements of the Bishop’s Conference: What does it mean to be a ‘People of God’?
In Year 7, students study what it means to be Christian and the importance of the Bible for Christians today. They then explore the nature of God; the nature of Jesus Christ, the values promulgated in Christian living, the concept of sacrament: baptism; a study of Hinduism and an analysis of the challenges of living in contemporary society as a Christian. These core concepts are developed and understood through exploration of topics: The Kingdom of God and People of God.
In Year 8, they study the Old Testament and the concept of promise keeping and Covenant between humans and God; How we live as People of God: pilgrimage and Advent; relationships with others including love and marriage; Passion, Death and resurrection; a study of Judaism and a final study of the early Church including Pentecost and confirmation.
In Year 9, student’s study an introduction to key philosophers, science, faith and stewardship and evaluate the conflicts, the philosophical problem of evil, a study of Islam and a final study of Christian ethics including crime and punishment and the sanctity of life. In Term 5, students begin the study of GCSE Religious Education, Edexcel Specification A in Catholic Christianity with Judaism.
Year 10 and Year 11:
In year 10, students study GCSE Religious studies for Edexcel Specification A in Catholic Christianity with Judaism.
GCSE students engage in the study of Christian beliefs and practices, sources of wisdom and authority and Christian expression in art, sculpture and architecture. This is complemented by a study of the beliefs and practices of Judaism.
In year 11, students will study philosophy and ethics: arguments for the existence of God, and ethical issues surrounding marriage and the family and human sexuality.