Mrs D Mason	Lead Teacher of Religious Studies & Child Devleopment; Teacher of Sociology
Miss L Guile	Teacher of Religious Studies & Child Development
Miss A Tomlinson	Teacher of Religious Studies & Sociology
Mrs L Hutton	Teacher of Religious Studies & Sociology / Director of Teaching

 

Religious Studies at Purbrook Park encourages pupils to explore some of life’s biggest questions. Pupils examine religious and non-religious worldviews and consider how these influence people’s values, choices and ways of life.

Our curriculum is informed by Living Difference IV, Hampshire’s agreed syllabus for Religious Education. It enables pupils to explore concepts and beliefs through their own experiences before investigating how these are understood and expressed within different religious and non-religious traditions.

Religious Studies is important because we live in a diverse and interconnected world. Lessons help pupils understand beliefs and cultures that may be different from their own, challenge stereotypes and develop respect for others. Pupils are encouraged to express their own views while listening carefully and respectfully to different perspectives.

Throughout the curriculum, pupils develop valuable skills, including:

• explaining and evaluating different viewpoints;
• constructing well-reasoned arguments;
• using evidence to support conclusions;
• discussing sensitive and controversial issues respectfully;
• understanding different cultures, beliefs and communities;
• developing empathy, independence and critical thinking.

Key Stage 3

At Key Stage 3, pupils follow a curriculum informed by Living Difference IV. They study a range of religious and non-religious worldviews, including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism and Sikhi.

Pupils also explore important questions and concepts relating to identity, morality, justice, suffering, equality and the meaning of life. They are encouraged to consider their own responses before examining how these ideas are understood within different communities and traditions.

The curriculum provides pupils with the knowledge and skills needed to understand the modern world and prepares them for the demands of GCSE Religious Studies.

GCSE Religious Studies

Religious Studies forms an important part of the curriculum at Purbrook Park, and all students continue to study the subject at GCSE.

We believe every young person should leave school able to understand different beliefs and cultures, discuss challenging issues respectfully and make well-reasoned decisions about the world around them. Religious Studies also develops valuable skills in communication, critical thinking, evaluation and debate.

Students follow the Eduqas GCSE Religious Studies Route A course, which is assessed through three written examinations:

• Component 1 – Religious, Philosophical and Ethical Studies: 50%
• Component 2 – Christianity: 25%
• Component 3 – Judaism: 25%

Topics include relationships, life and death, good and evil, human rights, Christian beliefs and practices, and Jewish beliefs and practices. Pupils examine a range of religious and non-religious viewpoints and learn how to construct balanced, well-supported arguments.

Where Can Religious Studies Take You?

Religious Studies develops skills that employers, colleges and universities value highly. It teaches pupils to communicate clearly, analyse evidence, understand different perspectives and make carefully reasoned decisions.

Religious Studies is particularly useful for careers involving people, communication, ethics, law or decision-making, including:

• law and the police;
• teaching and education;
• medicine, nursing and healthcare;
• social work and counselling;
• journalism and the media;
• politics and the Civil Service;
• charity and humanitarian work;
• business, management and human resources;
• psychology and sociology;
• religious leadership and community work.

Studying Religious Studies does not mean that pupils must be religious or wish to pursue a religious career. It is a subject for anyone interested in people, society and the questions that shape our world.