Britain is a multi-faith society made up of people with a wide range of beliefs and values. At Prenton we learn about the major six religions by following the Wirral Local Agreed Syllabus. This allows students to learn about the faiths that make the UK, challenging misconceptions in the media and reflecting on their own beliefs.
Our aim in Religious Education is to ensure that all our students:
· Learn to understand and respect others beliefs.
· Explore their own beliefs and values in relation to religion and ethical issues.
· To learn to explain ideas and concepts using evidence to deepen their arguments.
· To develop thinking and questioning skills that allows them to challenge ideas and concepts.
Staff
Mrs S Close | Subject Leader RE
Mrs J Simpson | Teacher
Curriculum provision for Years 7, 8, 9
In Years 7 to 9, RE is taught as a discrete, separate, subject. Students have one lesson a week in Years 7 and 8 and two lessons a week in Year 9. In Year 7 students begin an in-depth study of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, learning about their core beliefs, how religious communities may vary and identifying similarities and differences between the religions. In Year 8 students then study these religions in a thematic approach and explore concepts such as faith in action and religious authority. In Year 9 students study religion through philosophy and ethics, explore questions such as why would a loving God allow evil and suffering and can religion and science co-exist? All Year 9 students start work towards their GCSE course after Easter, which can then be continued into Years 10 and 11.
The GCSE Curriculum
Students study the AQA RE full course and take the Christianity and Islam options. For the thematic element students study Religion and Life and Religion, Crime and Punishment.
Why Study Religious Education At GCSE?
GCSE Religious Education provides students to build upon their knowledge of Christianity and Islam and gain an in-depth analysis of these religions complexities and core beliefs. This study is underpinned through looking at different ethical and philosophical issues in the modern world. These issues help students to develop informed opinion on modern day issues, as well as understand and respect others viewpoints.
Key skills involved include: learning how to explain views and use evidence to back up points, comparing views points questioning why similarities and differences occur and applying them to historical contexts. Students become active questioners learning to challenge ideas and develop informed arguments on ethical and philosophical issues. This helps support their oral and written literacy for their exam and across the whole school curriculum.
This course will allow them to progress to a GCE Advanced specification in Religious Studies or Philosophy.
Important Requirements
A good understanding of the basic beliefs of Christianity and Islam. Students are encouraged to keep up to date with the news and current affairs to deepen their understanding of the ethical topics studied. The ability to be an independent learner is key, allowing students to build on their subject knowledge in homework and revision tasks. Students should be able to explain their views with clear reasons and understand why others many not agree with them.