Main School
Religious Studies
Religious Studies enables pupils to understand the significance of Religion in the context of the wider body of knowledge and skills and to develop some understanding of the influence that religious beliefs and values have upon individuals and society.
Pupils are required to make reasoned and informed judgements about religious and moral issues. The department aims to enhance the Spiritual, Moral, Cultural and Social development of pupils, through the skills of awareness, empathy, response and reflection. The department aims to develop positive attitudes within the pupils towards others who hold different beliefs, opinions and values and to deliver Religious Studies that is engaging and inspiring in order to stimulate pupil’s curiosity, interest and enjoyment. Pupils are encouraged to participate in tasks that foster independent learning by giving pupils the opportunity to think for themselves and learn from each other.
In Year 4 pupils study Christian
teachings and the Bible. The syllabus in Year 5 allows the pupils to
investigate the importance of the Bible for Christians and involves a
study of the religions of Islam and Judaism. In Year 6 pupils
investigate Hindu beliefs about God, the teachings of the Buddha and
Values and Visions. Year 7 students study basic philosophy, justice and
the environment. War and Peace, Jesus through Art and Prejudice and
Discrimination are studied in Year 8. Year 9 pupils explore different
ideas about how the Universe was made and examine the nature of
suffering and the impact suffering may have on belief.
Philosophy and Ethics is offered as an option subject in Year 10. Pupils follow the EDEXCEL Religious Studies Syllabus A Units A and H. Religious Studies is taught to all students at Key Stage 4 through the Life Studies programme. This entails a study of morality, prejudice and discrimination, marriage and divorce and medical ethics. For more details view detailed subject options by viewing the Option Blocks webpage.
Out of the classroom
Pupils in Year 5 visit a local mosque as part of their study of the five pillars of Islam. Pupils in Year 6 visit the ISCKON Hindu Temple in Newcastle, where they attend a workshop that involves storytelling, exploring traditional Indian musical instruments, face painting and examining traditional Indian dress. An arti ceremony is also performed to allow students to see how Hindus worship.
Department of Religious Studies Personnel:
Mrs Lara Roberts BA (Hons) PGCE Exeter & Newcastle
