Key Stage 3

Aims

Religious Studies helps girls to understand the following questions:-

• Is there a purpose to life?

• Is there a God?

• How did the world begin?

• Where do we get our ideas of right and wrong from?

For thousands of years we have tried to make sense of the world in which we live. The ultimate questions that we all seek answers to form part of our quest for the meaning of life. In Religious Studies, girls embark on this quest. We hope to encourage girls to reflect on these ultimate questions and become equipped with the knowledge and understanding of the major world faiths so that they can arrive at their own view of the world around them.

Key Stage 3 Strategy

All lessons are structured in the form of starters, activities and plenaries.

Teaching and learning

In Religious Studies we investigate the six major faiths and their impact on the world around us. Girls are encouraged to understand the beliefs and practices of religious beliefs as well as explore their own responses to those ultimate questions that religion tries to answer. Various teaching strategies are employed within the department such as discussions, group work, guided fantasy, drama and ICT. The delivery of RS is in accordance with the local Havering Agreed Syllabus.

Assessment and learning

Girls are encouraged to develop their skills of evaluation, critical thinking and analysis. These skills are assessed by means of end of unit tests and through the completion of extended pieces of writing. Merits are awarded at intervals through the year based on their progress in these areas and targets set accordingly. In addition, the development of attitudes such as empathy, tolerance and sensitivity to the views of others is assessed by the classroom teacher.

Homework

Discussion at home about relevant issues should encourage your daughter to develop an open and tolerant attitude towards the religious beliefs of others. The RS Department welcomes direct involvement from parents who may be able to provide further insight from within as faith community itself.

Key Stage 4

FULL GCSE Course

The topics that you would study are split into two sections:

• Religion and Life Issues

• Religion and Human Experience

During the course you will study the topics below from two different religious perspectives, (Christianity and another religion). You will also be asked to express what your ideas are on these issues.

Religion and Life Issues

• Relationships - sex before marriage, marriage and divorce.

• Is it Fair? - racism, sexism and attitudes towards people who are poor.

• God, Life and Death - why believe in God, suicide and euthanasia.

• Identity and Belonging - what it means to belong to a religion.

• Our World - religious views on the environment.

Religion and Human Experience

• Religion and Conflict - attitudes towards war and peace

• Religion and Medicine - abortion, transplants, cloning.

• Religious Expression - going to a place of worship or going on a pilgrimage.

• Suffering and Evil - why evil and suffering take place.

Do you have to be religious?

Religious Studies requires you to consider many different points of view. To study religion properly you should be prepared to appreciate all beliefs and opinions.

What attitudes will RS help me develop?

• Respect for others

• Awareness of the world around you.

• Commitment

• The desire to question what goes on around you.

What careers will RS be useful for?

• Medicine

• Teaching

• Social Work

• Local Government

• Community work.

Assessment

This will be by examination only.