Faculty Leader: Mr M Hawkins Subject Leader: Mrs R Derrington

 

Our vision for the R.E. department at Madeley School

As the philosopher Socrates stated “There is only one good, knowledge, and one evil, ignorance”

Therefore, we have three main aims for our vision in the R.E. department.

  • To encourage students to become aware of their inner selves and to explore their own beliefs and attitudes taking into consideration the beliefs and attitudes of others.
  • To consider the phenomenon of religion and its impact on the daily lives, thoughts and feelings of people and how this effects people’s values.
  • To develop understanding and empathy for the beliefs and feelings of others.

It is our aim to ensure students understand the formation of belief systems and how these impact on life within the UK and the modern world. To understand the personal values that underpin modern society students should have an ability to consider the importance of religious and non-religious values and the origins of these beliefs. 

Therefore, the most important skills we aim to develop are those of independent thought and communication. The ability to understand and communicate the various belief systems and how these influence attitudes in society allow pupils to better understand the world they live in. In this way, pupils develop their own critical thinking and ability to argue both logically and lucidly. Simply knowing about different religions is not sufficient; we want students to develop their own values and beliefs based upon their ability to think independently.

Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 and 9)

What will students study?

The course includes a range of topics that allow students to explore the nature of religion through core issues that affect the world today and in the future. Students are provided with a wide range of learning experiences as they work on a series of study units.

Year 7                 

Unit 1- Introduction to world faiths and Christianity. 

Unit 2- Sikhism and Islam. 

Unit 3- Eastern Religions - Buddhism

The topics studied in Y7 will allow students to engage in the following thought-provoking questions. 

  • What is Religion and World Views and why do we study it? 
  • Who am I? 
  • Where do I belong? 
  • Why do people’s belief (religious and non-religious) and practice differ? 
  • How do people express their beliefs through actions, worship, or celebration? 
  • What shared values do faiths have and expect of their followers? 
  • How is belief expressed through symbols and action?   

Year 8    

Unit 1- Understanding the world around us. 

Unit 2- Ultimate questions. 

Unit 3- Judaism

The topics studied in Y8 will allow students to engage in the following thought-provoking questions. 

  • Can an individual change the world? 
  • How do people’s beliefs (religious and non- religious) influence their actions? 
  • What are the arguments for the existence of God? 
  • What are the arguments that challenge the existence of God? 
  • How do people make sense of hardship and suffering? 
  • What is the relationship between science and religion? 
  • How should we relate to others and to the natural world? 

Year 9  

Unit 1- Is all life sacred? 

Unit 2- Religion and prejudice. 

Unit 3- Religion, war and peace. 

The topics studied in Y9 will allow students to engage in the following thought-provoking questions. 

  • How do we make choices? 
  • Has science got all the answers? 
  • How, should I lead my life?  
  • How should we relate to others and to the natural world? 
  • How do people make sense of hardship and suffering? 
  • What do religious individuals teach about moral and ethical issues? 

Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11)

The course uses the key elements studied in year 9 alongside two religions studied in year 10 and 11. The course runs for two years.

Teacher in Charge: Mr M Hawkins

What course do students follow?

This is a full course in OCR Religious Studies 9-1

What will students study?

The course the pupils will follow explores moral dilemmas relevant to life in the ethics topics and enquires into various ideas about why people believe and what they believe in the philosophy topics. Pupils also explore the beliefs, teachings and practices of Christianity and Islam in the modern world.

 

ETHICS & PHILOSOPHY (First three units are studied in Year 9)

  • Human Relationships - Including family, marriage, divorce, sexual relationships and contraception.
  • Peace and Justice - Including attitudes towards war, violence, capital punishment and the treatment of criminals.
  • The existence of God, gods and the ultimate reality - The question of God, the nature of reality and how people experience God.
  • Dialogue between religious and non-religious beliefs and attitudes - Challenges for religion, dialogue between different religious and non-religious groups.

Beliefs, Teachings and Practices- Christianity

This theme includes a variety of topics including the following:

  • Nature of God
  • Concept of God as a Trinity of persons
  • Biblical accounts of Creation
  • The problem of evil and suffering and a loving and righteous God
  • Jesus Christ
  • The concept of salvation
  • Beliefs and teachings about Heaven, Hell, Life and Death
  • Worship
  • Prayer
  • Pilgrimage
  • Role of the Church in local and national communities

Beliefs, Teachings and practices- Islam

This theme includes a variety of topics including the following:

  • Core beliefs
  • Prophethood
  • Sources of wisdom
  • Angels
  • Beliefs about life after death and human accountability

How will students study?

Styles of working will be varied and will include studying independently and in groups.  There will be opportunities to express personal views in a supportive atmosphere and to listen to, and learn from each other and guest speakers.

Additional Information

There is no coursework, it is graded on 100% final examinations, but regular homework will be set to develop knowledge and skills.

R.E. is about:

  • Giving pupils the opportunity to consider their own responses to life’s experiences, social issues and the world they live in.
  • Exploring views, including those of Christians, which have contributed to our culture, traditions and values, such as respect, tolerance, justice, caring for others, doing your best and a spirit of open minded   enquiry.
  • Enabling views to be developed on the idea of God and why people may be religious.
  • Think about the concept of good and evil, right and wrong.
  • Consider the question, ‘Can a scientist be religious?
     

R.E. is not about:

  • Expecting or persuading anyone to “be religious”.  It’s about looking at situations in life’s experience from social, religious and personal viewpoints, enabling pupils to develop the skills to consider a range of ideas and draw their own conclusions.
  • Employers value the subject as an indication that pupils have a fair minded approach, and can look at and respect different viewpoints, whilst expressing their own informed opinion.
     

Careers information