KS3 Year 7

Autumn 1

Worldviews
Special - Belonging   /   Worldviews - Traditions

Throughout their transition unit of study pupils enquire what it means to hold a world view and connect them to the 'golden threads' of belonging and special. Pupils are to enquire into the world view of Humanism and a variety of world religions and consider the history of belief and faith. Pupils will consider what is meant by 'truth' and whether anything can actually be verified. Throughout Autumn pupils develop their communication and written skills to demonstrate their progress and apply their knowledge to KS3 level learning.

Autumn 2

Community

Community - Love   /   Unity - Charity

Throughout the second half of the Autumn term, pupils look at the depth of worldviews and consider how it influences and has an impact on different communities. Pupils will investigate into how people of faith and alternative worldviews put their beliefs and interpretations of the world into practice. The study looks into different forms of charity and how it is carried out, for example; zakat, langar and the Humanist perspective of 'a duty to give'.

Spring

Christianity:
Love - Belonging - Community   /   Agape - Nature of God - Church

Pupils investigate into the Abrahamic faith of Christianity and how it impacts Christians today. Pupils enquire into the concepts of love (agape), the nature of God and the Church. Pupils apply their understanding of faith and the world around them to Christian beliefs and traditions, and enquire how the faith and Church contribute to modern Britain. 

Summer

Buddhism:
Belonging - Community - Love   /   Anicca - Sangha - Karuna

Throughout Summer term pupils carry out a broad and detailed study into Buddhism and consider what it means to live life as a Buddhist today. Pupils will enquire into traditional Buddhist views on change/impermanence and how it influences actions in the modern world. This unit also allows pupils to articulate and develop their own moral perspectives on suffering and harm and the consequences that may occur.

KS3 Year 8

Autumn 1

Symbolism:
Belonging - Special   /   Symbolism - Interpretation 

During the first half-term of Autumn, pupils will explore the concept of 'symbolism' and its link to interpretation. Pupils will consider how symbols link to personal and religious identity, whilst considering how these symbols came to be through interpretation. Pupils will look at stories and thought experiments and analyse how these have influenced religious beliefs and worldviews in general.

Autumn 2

Community and Equality:

Community - Love   /   Persecution - Justice

In the second half of Autumn, pupils will continue to study a wide range of world religions but consider how their symbolism and identity is connected to community and justice. Pupils will consider different form of religious discrimination, such as anti-semitism and islamophobia, as well as the way different religions and charities promote social justice.

Spring

Judaism:
Special - Community - Belonging   /   Torah - Tradition - Remembrance

During the Spring term, pupils study the Jewish faith, its history, and its influence upon believers today. Through looking into the concepts of Torah, Tradition and Remembrance, pupils are able to look at historical events and apply them to modern day practises and beliefs. This unit also allows pupils to explore the value of faith to everyday life, including their own.

Summer

Hinduism:
Belonging - Community - Love   /   Creation - Hierarchy (Caste System) - Afterlife (Moksha)

Pupils complete their year by enquiring into the creation of the world from an Eastern world view, whilst being able to explore their own beliefs and understanding. This unit also covers the concept of hierarchy and how historically the Caste System and Karma has affected human society and social mobility. Learners also question the authenticity of the afterlife using both their own understanding and a Hindu perspective.

KS4 Year 9

Autumn

Introduction to Ethics:
In order to introduce pupils to their GCSE subject, learners will return to looking at ethics in detail with specific reference to animal rights and medical ethics (e.g. should we allow saviour siblings, enhancements). This equips them with written and verbal skills required to thrive in their GCSE subject.

Christian Beliefs and Teachings:
The compulsory nature of this component ensures that learners know and understand the fact that the religious traditions of Great Britain are, in the main, Christian, but also diverse. Pupils look into the specific beliefs of many denominations of Christians, including Catholics, Anglican Christians and Evangelical beliefs.

Spring

Christian Beliefs and Teachings:
This unit continues into the Spring term as to ensure a thorough understanding and allows for pupils to develop their written skills with a direct link to Christian Beliefs and Teachings.

Relationships:
This theme requires learners to consider characteristics of relationships, marriage and family life. Through a study of beliefs and teachings, questions relating to issues of relationships in the twenty-first century will be considered, including same-sex relationships and gender roles.

Summer

Jewish Beliefs and Teachings:
Studying Judaism Beliefs and Teachings broadens pupils’ understandings of other world faiths and views. Pupils specifically look into the Mitvah (rules), Pikuach Nefesh (saving human life) and other essential beliefs that shape the lives of individuals across the world.

Revision and Exam Practice:
Pupils are expected to revise and consider previous units in detail to prepare them for exams and future life.

KS4 Year 10

Autumn

Life and Death:
This theme requires learners to consider religious and non-religious beliefs about the nature of life and death and the origins and value of the universe and human life. Pupils also learn about sensitive topics such as abortion and euthanasia.

Christian Practices:
Pupils continue their studies on Christianity by taking a deeper looking into the practices of many denominations of Christians. These practices range from the Sacraments (marriage, funerals, holy orders, baptism etc) to religious festivals such as Christmas and Easter. This unit allows pupils to understand the actions of their own lives as well as the impact and influence these practices have on Christians lives.

Spring

Revision and Exam Practice:
Pupils are expected to revise and consider previous units in detail to prepare them for Mock exams.

Good and Evil:
This theme requires learners to consider philosophical questions concerning the origins and nature of good and evil. Through a study of teachings and beliefs, questions relating to the causes of crime and attitudes towards the aims of punishment and treatment of criminals will be considered.

Summer

Jewish Practices:
Continuing the topic of Judaism into Practices allows pupils to apply previous knowledge to real world events such as religious festivals and marriage. This allows deeper analysis into worldviews and how practices influence individuals.

Revision for exams:
Pupils are expected to revise and consider previous units in detail to prepare them for exams and future life.

 KS4 Year 11

Jewish Beliefs and Teachings:
Studying Judaism Beliefs and Teachings broadens pupils’ understandings of other world faiths and views. Pupils specifically look into the Mitvah (rules), Pikuach Nefesh (saving human life) and other essential beliefs that shape the lives of individuals across the world.

Jewish Practices:
Continuing the topic of Judaism into Practices allows pupils to apply previous knowledge to real world events such as religious festivals and marriage. This allows deeper analysis into worldviews and how practices influence individuals.

Human Rights:
This theme considers contemporary issues of human rights and social justice and their relationship with religion and belief. Learners will be expected to consider specific issues of wealth and poverty, racial prejudice and discrimination.

Revision:

Pupils to revise in preparation for their final exams.

Summer

GCSE EXAMS