Religious Studies

In the study of RS we often cover challenging topics that are dealt with sensitively such as: human rights, discrimination and the loss of identity and dehumanisation through the process of the spiritual, moral, social and cultural identity. This is crucial, not only in preparing them for further study, but also in preparing them to become socially aware global citizens. We aim to challenge misconceptions and provide a safe and constructive space to explore religious, philosophical and secular world views. Lastly, our curriculum develops the broader skills of scriptural analysis and critical thoughts, essential for further study in RS

Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9)

The Key Stage 3 curriculum aims to provide the students with an opportunity to explore a range of religious beliefs and philosophical ideas at a deeper level. It is designed to be academically rigorous and follows the Buckinghamshire Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education. As part of the wider Humanities offering, Religious Studies has been interwoven with History and Geography to provide a spiralling curriculum that builds on overarching themes such as change power and identity

Topics covered include:

Value of the World through Natural Theology
Identity through Judaism
In-depth study of the mission of Christ and Christianity
Islam
Religion through Art
The three Dharmic religions
Humanism
Self, death and the afterlife
Comparison of Science and Religion
Evil and Suffering
Ethical approaches to subjects such as torture
The Holocaust
Religion and War

Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11 GCSE)

Students study the AQA (9-1) Religious Studies syllabus at GCSE.

The GCSE is highly aspirational in that it incorporates an in-depth understanding of two key religions within current philosophical and ethical thinking which keeps the curriculum academically rigorous

Areas of study include:

Buddhism, beliefs & teachings
Christianity, beliefs & teachings
Buddhism, practices
Christianity, practices

Four thematic studies:

Religion & life
The existence of God & revelation
Religion peace & conflict
Religion crime & punishment

GCSE Religious Studies Specification

Key Stage 5 (Years 12-13 A Level)

Students are required to have gained at least a grade 6 at GCSE in RS or another humanity to take this course at A Level

Students follow the OCR Religious Studies A Level Course which is 100% exam based.

The curriculum is delivered through three key components: Philosophy of Religion, Ethical Philosophy and Christian Theology. The pedagogical approach ranges from scriptural and textual analysis and critique, through to class debate, evaluation and philosophical discourse. Teachers employ socratic questioning to aid pupils to think beyond the observable and to question preconceived knowledge and perception at a higher level. Students come into contact with prominent philosophers through the course of their study and critically consider their impact on the world.

Areas of study are as follows:

Ancient philosophical influences
The nature of the soul, mind and body
Arguments about the existence or non-existence of God
The nature and impact of religious experience
The challenge for religious belief of the problem of evil
Ideas about the nature of God
Issues in religious language
Normative ethical theories
The application of ethical theory to contemporary issues of importance
Ethical language and thought
Debates surrounding the significant idea of conscience
Sexual ethics on the influence on ethical thought of developments in religious beliefs
Christianity: Beliefs values and teachings, their interconnections and how they vary historically and contemporarily
Sources of wisdom and authority, practices which shape and express identity and how these vary within Christianity
Social and historical developments in religious thought
The relationship between religion and society

A Level Religious Studies Specification

Co-curricular activities

Day trip to Coventry Cathedral
Residential trip to Krakow and Auschwitz
Study Day to Cambridge University