Religious Education, Philosophy and Ethics

Religious Education gives students an insight into the real world and their place in it. We study issues that relate to the modern world, often making good use of local and national news to underpin our discussions and debates. In this course, students study a range of contemporary moral issues investigating issues including; euthanasia, animal rights, the death penalty and abortion. Students are taught to examine their own opinions about and the opinions of others.

Studying Religious Education can lead to Philosophy and Ethics study at GCSE which is one of the most varied subjects that students can opt for. We also look at some ‘big questions’ in life such as what happens when we die? Does life have meaning and purpose? How can I be sure I exist?

RE curriculum information for Key Stage 3

Year	Term	Units of Work	Assessments
7	Autumn	Islam Life after death	A number of pieces of extended writing to teach exam skills, culminating in a GCSE exam style assessment at the end of each unit.
	Spring	Animal rights Human rights	A number of pieces of extended writing to teach exam skills, culminating in a GCSE exam style assessment at the end of each unit.
	Summer	Human rights Pressure Groups	A number of pieces of extended writing to teach exam skills, culminating in a GCSE exam style assessment at the end of each unit.
8	Autumn	Judaism Pilgrimage	A number of pieces of extended writing to teach exam skills, culminating in a GCSE exam style assessment at the end of each unit.
	Spring	Pilgrimage Drugs	A number of pieces of extended writing to teach exam skills, culminating in a GCSE exam style assessment at the end of each unit.
	Summer	Christianity	A number of pieces of extended writing to teach exam skills, culminating in a GCSE exam style assessment at the end of each unit.

GCSE course information

Qualification & Board	GCSE in Religious Studies
Course Content (for A level, how this follows on from GCSE)	An in-depth study of two world religions and a number of topical ethical issues including crime and punishment, genetic engineering, euthanasia, abortion and ‘designer babies’. There is also the opportunity to engage with some big philosophical questions about the creation of the world and Life after Death.
Potential Career paths	Law, media, journalism, social work, teaching, charity work
Assessments (inc. field work / assessed practicals)	Two exams, 1 hour 45 minutes each. One assessing religious studies, the other assessing the ethical debates. Each paper worth 50% of the overall grade
Core or Option	Option
No Option Choices (GCSE only)
No. GCSE / A Level equivalent	1 GCSE