Religious Studies

Socrates once said ‘Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.’ Our research-based approach to pedagogy, emphasises exploration of varying perspectives on religious, philosophical, and ethical topics, teaching students what the different perspectives are and how to think intelligently about them. This approach is built on the dictum of John Stuart Mill, “He who knows only his own side of the case knows little of that.”

Our KS3 curriculum is broad and balanced, paying equal attention to all six major world religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam). We teach the Eastern Religions first, followed by the Western religions, and do so chronologically within each category to allow interleaving and critical perspectives and comparisons to be developed. Studying the major world religions to such depth and detail, allows students to develop confidence in their knowledge before advancing to philosophical enquiry. Subsequently, we build on this foundation by exploring both Philosophy and Ethics to further develop both analytical skills, extended writing and capacity for philosophical argumentation. This unit is ambitious and allows students to engage with challenging philosophical material, including epistemology.

In KS4 students are challenged to complete a full GCSE as an option subject, fulfilling our statutory requirements to teach Christianity and augmenting this study by contrasting this Western religion with the Eastern religion of Buddhism. Studying the GCSE course, students gain independence through the cultivation of essential study skills, including effective evaluation.

In KS5 we offer an academically rigorous A-Level which gives equal weight to the disciplines of Philosophy, Ethics and Christian Theology. The course further develops students’ extended writing and evaluation skills and engagement with advanced academic literature.

We are also committed to contributing to the Langton Extended Curriculum, through our delivery of the Philosophy IVE at KS4 and the Philosophy Project and PPE Pathway at KS5. Students undertake independent research into challenging philosophical and ethical topics and develop essential academic skills. Students are encouraged to be creative in their independent project development. This extended curriculum, plus other school events and trips, are part of our statutory obligation to deliver a minimum of 40 hours of RS per year group for students up to the age of 18.

Minimum Entry Criteria

Desired: 7 in Religious Studies or 7 in English Language

Essential: 6 in Religious Studies or 6 in English Language

Board

Eduqas

Outline of the Course

Component One – Study of Religion (Christianity)

• Religious beliefs, values and teachings and how they vary historically and in the contemporary world; key moral principles, beliefs about the self, death and the afterlife; sources of wisdom and authority; significant social and historical developments; practices which shape religious identity; religion and society

Component Two – Philosophy of Religion

• Philosophical arguments for the existence of God; The nature of religious experience; Problem of evil and suffering; Philosophical language; critiques of religious belief

Component Three – Religion and Ethics

• Ethical language and thought; three normative ethical theories; the application of ethical theory to two personal, societal or global issues; how ethical language in the modern era has changed over time

Assessment

 Bridging Task - Religious StudiesSixth Form Programme of Courses