KS3 Religious Studies
Aims of the subject:
The Deanery Church of England High School and Sixth Form College in accordance with Christian principles and values, aims to serve our school community by providing an education of the highest quality in which every person can flourish. We strive to ensure excellence for all is a reality, promoting the growth of wisdom and love of learning. In doing so we aim to deepen religious and theological understanding and to be able to communicate this effectively with others. Students will have an awareness of divergent Christian attitudes and of other faith traditions and remain respectful to them. They will explore the meaning within one’s own life stemming from opportunities to reflect spiritually, think ethically and theologically enabling religious literate students who are confident to engage in informed critique, exploring the wisdom of Biblical teachings, Christian history, and spiritual and ethical awareness.
We believe that fostering confidence and offering horizons of hope and aspiration will enable the deepening and nourishing for fullness of life. Recognising the ultimate worth of each person grounded in creation of the image of God and to recognise God’s love and compassion for each person. We aim to develop Christian values such as faith, hope, love, wisdom, courage, and integrity. We aim to develop self-esteem, model conflict resolution, and are committed to justice and compassion. Mutual respect and trust are central to our school community.
The purpose of religious education is to enable students to engage with an academic and rigorous program of study to enable them to develop knowledge and understanding of religion, evaluating aspects of religion and belief, including significance and influence.
Religious Education Programme of Study Key Stage 3
| Year | What will I learn? | What will I do? |
| 7 | Term 1: Ultimate Questions
Is it possible to answer ultimate questions?
Holy Books and Sacred Texts Why are holy books and sacred texts important for people of faith?
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Examine different examples of ultimate questions and consider how these shape religious beliefs.
Explore holy books in different religions and consider the role these have in the practise of each religion.
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| Term 2: The Life of Jesus
How can the life of a first century Nazarene continue to influence billions of people today?
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Trace the life of Jesus from prophecies about His birth, through to His ministry and His death and resurrection.
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| Term 3: Buddhism
Is it possible to follow the ‘middle way’?
Wealth and Poverty Does anybody care that 1 billion people in the world today are starving?
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Examine the life of Siddhartha Goetama and his teachings. Consider how these teachings continue to impact Buddhists today.
Explore the reasons why there is such a gap between the rich and the poor in society today and ways people can support those in need. |
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| 8 | Term 1: Prejudice and Discrimination
Would Christians ever condone the use of prejudice and discrimination?
Hinduism Is Hinduism a monotheistic or a polytheistic religion?
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Examine the concepts of stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination applying these to racism and sexism. Consider Christian responses to discrimination.
Explore key beliefs, teachings and practises associated with Hinduism, including reference to holy texts and sacred writings such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
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| Term 2: Judaism
Is modern-day Judaism a religion or a worldview?
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Consider the history of the religion and Judaism and key beliefs, teachings and practices associated with this faith. Examine some of the challenges facing Jews today.
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| Term 3: Life after Death
Is death the end?
Courageous Advocacy How can we champion causes and agents of change for issues of injustice?
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Examine Hindu, Buddhist and Humanist beliefs about life after death and consider whether these have an impact person’s life. Explore of these beliefs compare and contrast with Christian beliefs.
Explore issues associated with human rights and social justice. Consider ways in which we can champion causes and be agents of change today. |
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| 9 | Term 1: An Introduction to Islam
Is it possible to be an obedient Muslim living in Britain today? |
Explore the history of Islam to consider how it became the second largest religion in the world. Examine key beliefs, teachings and practices of Muslims, including reference to scripture.
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| Term 2: Medical Ethics
How do people make ethical decisions about medical treatment?
Philosophy of Religion Is it possible to prove the existence of God?
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Examine religious and non-religious ethical theories. Apply these theories to the issues of infertility treatments, transplant surgery and genetic engineering and consider Christian responses to these.
Examine different philosophical approaches to prove the existence of God and evaluate their effectiveness.
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| Term 3: The History of Christianity
How did Christianity grow from a sect of Judaism to become the largest religion in the world?
Christian Theology Are Biblical teachings still relevant for Christians today?
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Follow the history of Christianity from its split with Judaism, to the Great Schism and through the Reformations. Consider how Christianity has grown to become the world faith it is today.
Explore key Biblical teachings to examine Christian beliefs, teachings and practices and, through a theological lens, consider different ways in which these can be understood. |
Co-Curricular Opportunities
VIPs (Values in Practice) Club is held after school. This is a great opportunity to demonstrate the school values in numerous ways and consider how we can be agents for change. Examples of work includes visiting The Brick in Wigan, guest speakers, discussion on topical issues, team buildings games and activities and a ‘street sleep’ (held in school). Attending VIPs is also a great way to make new friends.
How you can support your child’s progress
Encourage your child to talk about the topics that they have been studying in Religious Studies and ask them questions. Discussion and appreciating different points of view are a key skills in the subject.
