Contact:

Mr Galloway: Director of Teaching and Learning – Enquire Faculty

Course Information

Religious Studies units of work help students to discover some of the ways people have responded to questions concerning the meaning of life. Why are we here?  Why is there suffering in the world?  We consider how answers to such questions have moulded and shaped our lives.  Students also explore mysteries and miracles, inspirational figures, beliefs about life after death and various moral dilemmas.  Students also cover modules related to the major world faiths.

Course Content

Course Content
Year 7Year 7 begins with an introduction into Religious Education, philosophy and ethics before moving on to focus on Hinduism, the worlds oldest religion. Students will then exam Islam, through the perspective of a Muslim teenager, by posing the question ‘What is good and what is challenging about being a Muslim teenager today? The final topic studied in year 7 is focussed on the debate question ‘Should religious buildings be sold to feed starving people?’
Year 8In Year 8 students begin with a focus on Sikhism, by asking the question ‘What difference does it make to believe in Sikh ideals?’ Students will then study Buddhism and Christianly by considering the question ‘Does Buddhism/ Christianity solve the problem of evil and suffering?’ The final topic in year 8, poses the question ‘Are Human Rights compatible with religion?’
Year 9Year 9 begins by widening the ethical debate to consider how society should treat those who break the law, before moving on to consider whether or not we can prove the existence of God. The final topic considers the role of religion in the modern world, and addresses the question ‘Is religion a force for peace or a force for violence in the world?’

Extra Curricular Opportunities

The department offers a wide range of opportunities to participate in field study visits. All students can attend the Castleton residential in Year 7 as well as visiting the local church.  Each academic year we also arrange a number of full day and residential fieldwork visits.  The aim of the department is to use the wider community and its members as an integral part of the curriculum.  We also encourage visitors into school to enrich students’ learning experiences.

Assessment

We use a range of assessment techniques across the department. Learning is assessed routinely in lessons as well as in more formal assessment settings.  We feel this helps students to reflect on their learning and teachers to adapt their practice to support the progress of students.  Books are marked on a 2-3 week cycle with detailed feedback being given on extended pieces of work and homework tasks.  Students respond to feedback in green pen to help improve their learning.  Homework is set as per the schools homework calendar with a range of tasks being set to support and challenge all learners.

If you have any questions or queries relating to the Religious Studies curriculum please email Dgalloway@anthonygell.co.uk  for more information.