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.
RE at The Deanery Church of England High School and Sixth Form College is taught in accordance with the Blackburn Diocese programme of Study for KS3 Illuminating Pathways. This reflects the distinctive and inclusive ethos of our Anglican foundation.
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 7
| Autumn | Spring | Summer |
| 7.1 What does it mean to belong?
(Introductory unit) What is Religious Education? What is our school vision? Our school values. What does it mean to belong to the school community? What impact does belonging have? |
7.3 What does it mean to be a person of faith?
(Hinduism) What does it mean to believe? What do religious believers believe about God? How do religious believers express their faith? |
7.5 Did Jesus really rise from the dead?
What happened to Jesus? Why did Jesus die? What happened on Easter Sunday? What is the Turin Shroud? Could it prove that Jesus rose from the dead? Does it matter if Jesus rose from the dead? |
| 7.2 Does God exist?
What are the arguments for and against God’s existence?
Why might people choose to belong to different communities? |
7.4 Where in the world is Christianity?
Who is Jesus? How do we know about Christianity? Where in the world is Christianity? How do Christians worship? |
7.6 Where do people go to find affirmation of faith?
Pilgrimage – life changing experience, emotional prop, or holiday destination? (Religious tourism) Is there anything which precludes somewhere from being a place of pilgrimage? Research project. |
Year 8
| Autumn | Spring | Summer |
| 8.1
How do society and the media portray Islam? What do I already know about the Muslim faith? Islam, a diverse community? How does Islam influence your world? |
8.3
Do Sacred texts enable individuals and groups to support faith and respond to times of crisis? What would you do? What would Jesus do? How do Christians respond in times of Crisis? Why do Christians respond in this way? |
8.5
Where is God? What is God really like? Does God exist? How can we prove that God is real? (Arguments for and against the existence of God – Cosmological, revelation, miracle)
|
| 8.2
Is it fair? What and who do we value? How should we treat others? Why do we treat others differently? How does the media influence people’s attitudes? |
8.4
Is Death the end? What are the key beliefs in heaven and Hell? Does everyone believe in the same thing? Contemporary expressions of life after death Attitudes to grief and mourning |
8.6
What is God? Do all people Christians believe the same thing about God? What is meant by Trinity? What do the arts, scripture, and the creeds tell us about the Trinity? |
Year 9
| Autumn | Spring | Summer |
| 9.1
Should we commemorate the holocaust? |
9.3 What does it mean to be called? | 9.5 What is the implication of different and diversity on faith communities?
(Buddhism) |
| 9.2
Is Faith Hidden? (Persecution) |
9.4 What does it mean to be a good steward in the 21st century? | 9.6 Can Conflict ever be justified?
An introduction to GCSE (skills) |
Extra-curricular opportunities
VIP’s (Values in Practice) club is held on Thursday(s) after school 3.10-4.00 pm. A great opportunity for students to demonstrate the school values in numerous ways. Examples include visiting the Brick in Wigan, visiting guest speakers, discussion on topical issues, team building games and activities, and a `Street sleep’ (held in school). Attending VIP’s is a great way to make new friends.
How can you support your child’s progress in RE?
Encourage your child to talk about the topics that they are studying in RE.
All week 1 homework is set via quizlet.com which will enhance your child’s technical vocabulary in RE. Please encourage them to engage in the various activities, ask your child to teach you keywords and definitions.
