Religious Education

Here in RE we think it stands for 'really exciting' as religious education reaches all subjects, with students enjoying the creative and explorative nature of the subject and building reflection and analysis skills as they investigate different cultures and traditions.

Studying RE is a meaningful way of creating a successful and wholly integrated society. The more people know about the faiths currently thriving in Britain, the more likely we will be to understand and embrace our multi-cultural society.

Studying religion and belief is a part of a complete education because of the influence of religions and beliefs on individuals, culture, behaviour and on life. By investigating different religions and beliefs, we can offer answers to life’s deepest questions and because young people are often seeking answers to those questions, this can help them they grow in independence and work out how life can be lived.

The purpose of studying RE is therefore to inspire students to develop an eagerness in learning about faiths and cultures that are foreign to them and accept that there are many paths in life and there are vast differences in beliefs, practices, morals and ethics within society.

RE makes me rethink what I thought I knew about different cultures.

Cian Nicholls, Year 9

What's been happening in the religious education department recently?

All students in Key Stage 3 have recently begun to look at an exciting new unit of work that explores the achievements of the Islamic scientists of the so called ‘dark ages’. Project work and study of audio visual material has begun to dispel the myth of the age being an empty era, instead evidencing that changes at the time were brought about by ingenious inventors and pioneers.

Curriculum information:

Years 7 and 8

Learning outcomes

Learning

Following an introductory unit to religious education (RE), students study the links between religion and learning, with a particular focus on science and learning through investigation of Islam in the 9^th Century. Sacred writings, revelation, devotion and ‘finding meaning’ are covered in the 'Words and Meaning: Bible and Qur’an' module. Truth and religion is an additional unit which explores philosophical questions on belief and truth. We will also cover units on exploitation and risky behaviours in our 'sex and relationships' topic.

Assessment outcomes

At the end of every lesson, pupils self-assess to identify what new learning has taken place for them during the lesson. At the end of the unit, pupils complete an assessment to demonstrate they understand the significance of the topic studied. Students are assessed on their knowledge and understanding of religion, critical thinking skills and on evidence of personal reflection.

Topics taught

An introduction to RE
Can Religion be true?
World poverty
Religion and learning
Words and meaning: Bible and Qur’an
Meaning and purpose
Sex and relationships (SRE)

I like RE because it is fun and informative at the same time... I’ve realised that the dark ages were not so dark after all!

Joe Richardson, Year 7