Richmond School
School Departments | Religious Studies
KS3
Year 7
• Introduction to religion (2 weeks)• Religious leaders (6 weeks)
• Where is God? (philosophy and symbols) (2 weeks)
• Introduction to Muslim life – 5 Pillars of Islam (7 weeks)
• Introduction to Hinduism
• Places of worship
• Spiritual journey (pilgrimage)
Year 8
• Design a Religion• Tracing the covenant
• Moses and the Passover
• The 10 Commandments
• Holy week
• Festivals / celebrations
• The gospels/ Holy writings
Year 9
• Ultimate questions• Creation myths – Stewardship of the environment and animals
• Human Rights
• Introduction to Philosophy
• Introduction to Buddhism
• National competition (art work and poetry)
KS4
Short Course (compulsory)
As part of the core curriculum all students (except those who opt for Philosophy and Ethics full course) will follow a short GCSE course in Religious Studies.
Students will have two lessons per fortnight and will be prepared for the following 5 topics:
• Religion and Human Relationships• Religion and Medical Ethics
• Religion and Equality
• Religion, Poverty and Wealth
• Religion, Peace and Justice
Assessment is by written examination and there is no coursework requirement
Religious Studies: Philosophy and Ethics (long course, optional)
This is a two year course, two lessons per week and students will be given the opportunity to explore a number of philosophical and ethical issues from the standpoint of at least one religion:
Philosophy –
• The Nature of Belief – Why do people believe?• The Nature of God – What is God?
• Religion and Science – Is there a conflict?
• Death and the afterlife – Heaven/Hell?
• Good and Evil – suffering
Religious Ethics –
• Human Relationships – e.g. marriage and divorce• Medical Ethics – e.g. abortion, euthanasia
• Equality – e.g. sexism, racism
• Poverty and Wealth – e.g. less economically developed country issues
• Peace and Justice – e.g. crime and punishment
Throughout the course students will be expected to evaluate some challenging issues. So a willingness to discuss and question themselves and each other will prove an advantage.
Students will sit two, two hour exams at the end of year 11.
KS5
A level Religious Studies builds on the skills of GCSE Religious Studies: knowledge, understanding, and evaluation. The subject would suit those who have an interest in religion, ethics, philosophy and literature. You do not need to be interested in people and what motivates them and their behaviour.
AS
1. Foundations – Exam: 1 hour 45 minutes – 3 questions
This unit explores the foundations of Philosophy and Ethics.
2. Investigations – Extended Essay
This unit will be assessed by one piece of extended essay coursework with a recommended length of 1500-2000 words. One topic area to be studied from a wide range of topics including medical ethics, sexual ethics and animal rights.
A2
3. Developments – Exam: 1 hour 45 minutes – 3 questions
This unit builds upon the knowledge, understanding and skills developed in Unit 1: Foundations.
4. Implications – (Synoptic Unit) Exam: 1 hour 15 minutes
Students will explore the relationship between philosophy and ethics in the broader context of human experience and religion.
Lessons will employ a wide variety of teaching and learning styles including discussion, debate, research and student led sessions. Students will learn how to present an argument and develop critical analysis skills.
Many of our students continue to pursue their studies in philosophy and ethics, others go on to study law, medicine, retail management, personnel management, or find employment in the police force, probation service or social work. As a subject it is in the enviable position of being attractive to those who are gifted in either the arts or the sciences.
Contact Information
Mrs M Gibson - mgibson@richmondschool.net
Mrs N Hansell - nhansell@richmondschool.net
Mr J Coldwell - jcoldwell@richmondschool.net
Mrs K Craven - kcraven@richmondschool.net
Mr W Middleton - Maternity Cover for Mrs Craven