Welcome to the Religious Education department…

RE is a vital area of study. Central to RE lessons is the exploration of life’s really important questions. This gives pupils a platform to discuss and reflect upon issues such as – Does money make us happy? What happens when I die? How should serial murderers be punished? If God exists why is there suffering in the world? These are some of many moral, philosophical and spiritual questions that are discussed in RE.

We study the six global religions of Christianity, Islam,

Judaism, Sikhism, Hinduism and Buddhism.

We believe it is important for all pupils, particularly those from North Devon, to appreciate the amazing diversity of multi-cultural Britain. We also want them to be better informed about a wide range of current and religious affairs.

The Learning Process involves examples from the following:

  • Discussion – pairs, small group and whole class. This is particularly useful in contributing to the development of pupils’ own beliefs and values.
  • Artefacts
  • Art work – allowing time for personal reflection
  • DVDs
  • Reading and note taking
  • EmpathySmall group work – contributing to a whole class project
  • What’s in the news? Religious and current affairs.
  • Time for personal reflection
  • Visitors – religious leaders, community workers, police.
  • Visits – This is a vital area of study which enables pupils to explore a variety of religions; particularly important in our multi-cultural society and in the light of some world events which may be based of religious ignorance and prejudice based on fear and stereotyping.
Key Stage 3 Key Stage 4 Home Learning Opportunities Gifted & Talented Opportunities

Key Stage 3

Units of work, Grouping of students, assessment and expected standards

Key Stage 3

All students are taught in mixed ability tutor groups.

Year 7

Pupils follow an Integrated Humanities programme which includes the study of

Year 8

  • Authority link to Judaism, festivals, Moses and Ten Commandments
  • Who cares? Christmas, homeless and Salvation Army
  • Religion of Equality? – Sikhism
  • Religion of Peace? Islam

Religion of Justice? Christianity

Year 9

  • Religion: Prejudice and Persecution – Martin Luther King
  • The Jewish Experience – Holocaust
  • Buddhism
  • Truth and Spirituality

Religion and the media

Assessment

There are three assessment points during each academic year. Each assessment is levelled. This is compared to an individual pupil’s Target Grade and feedback is given to enable pupils to take appropriate action. , Each is based upon the two attainment targets (AT1, Learning about religion, and AT2, Learning from religion), as outlined in the Devon Agreed Syllabus. Assessment for Learning (AfL) and Periodic Assessing of Pupils Progress (APP) have become backbones to this Key Stage, adding further depth to the learing processes taking place within the department.

back to top

Key Stage 4

Units of work, Grouping of students, assessment and expected standards

The legal requirement in religious studies is satisfied by the single lesson of RS resulting in a short course GCSE qualification. A full course GCSE is also offered in this area of study – it is called “Beliefs, Values and Traditions".

“Beliefs, Values and Traditions”

This course will provide skills in making decisions about moral problems, and help pupils to become sure about their own beliefs and explain them clearly to others.

We will be discussing issues and attitudes to do with:

 

 Religion, War and Peace

 Animals and the Environment

 Religion and Young People

 Prejudice and Discrimination in Society

 Matters of Life

 Religion and Early Life

 Matters of Death

 Crime and Punishment

 Drug Abuse

 Rich and Poor

 

An ability to discuss ideas and listen to other’s views are very important on this course.  This will include:

Visiting Speakers - Police

- Salvation Army

- Capernwray

- Humanist

Days Out - Marriage Ceremony

- Baptist Ceremony

The course will help pupils develop their key skills in communication and information technology. Many of the topics under discussion are popular for GCSE candidates in their English orals.  Homework tasks are an integral part of the course.

The course prepares pupils to work and deal with people of different cultures and beliefs which can be useful for careers such as the Police, the Caring Professions, Journalism, Media and the Armed Forces. This full GCSE will be assessed by 2 x 1¾ hour written exam papers (no coursework).  Last year 75% of candidates achieved A*-C grades.

back to top

Home Learning Opportunities

Home Learning Opportunities

Students develop learning skills through home learning, which is why tasks can include such things as internet activities, creative writing, reading or analysis of information.

back to top

Gifted & Talented Opportunities

Teachers provide support for Gifted and Talented pupils by:-

  • Providing reading lists including novels, poetry and non-fiction
  • Encouraging pupils to read newspapers about current and religious affairs.
  • Providing resource lists including relevant DVDs
  • Providing extension tasks and open ended questions and encouraging independent research
  • Providing challenging source material
back to top

Miss Kath Strickland

Head of Religious Education

Mr Nic Humphries

Teacher of Religious Education

Mrs Sue Warrilow

Teacher of Religious Education

Mrs Shirley Paterson

Teacher of Religious Education