Religious Studies

Key Stage 3 Information

Points to Note
All KS3 units are based on the RS GCSE Specification therefore they prepare pupils throughout for GCSE at KS4.  During their KS3 study, pupils will engage with a variety of exciting and interesting topics.  In years 7 and 8 pupils learn about the six major world faiths focusing on both the aspects and impact of these faiths.  At year 8 pupils engage with a greater depth of GCSE preparation.  Exam technique is developed through actual GCSE style questions which have been embedded in each unit.  Assessments also reflect the GCSE style provided the optimum preparation for the expectations of the GCSE RS course.

Year 7

  • The Religious Aspects of, and Impact of Faith in Judaism:
    • Moses
    • Life After Death
    • The Synagogue
    • The Role of the Rabbi
    • Religious Text – The Tenakh
    • Jewish Festivals
    • Rites of Passage – Bar and Bat Mitzvah
    • Jewish Marriage
    • Dietary Laws
    • Tzedekah
  • The Religious Aspects of, and Impact of Faith in Christianity:
    • The Nature of God
    • The Holy Trinity
    • Jesus
    • Bible Detectives
    • Heaven and Hell
    • The Bible
    • Christian Symbols
    • Christian Pilgrimage
    • The Role of the Church
    • Christian Missions and Evangelism
  • The Religious Aspects of, and Impact of Faith in Islam:
    • The Nature of Allah
    • Day of Judgement
    • Muslim Festivals
    • The Qur’an
    • The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)
    • The Role of the Imam
    • The Mosque
    • The Five Pillars

Year 8

  • The Religious Aspects of, and Impact of Faith in Hinduism:
    • Samsara
    • Brahman
    • Puja
    • Many Deities
    • Sacred Sites – Hindu Pilgrimage
    • Hindu Symbols
    • Performing Arts – Yoga
    • Ahimsa
    • Dharma
    • Social Systems
  • GCSE Experience (Taster) Unit:
    • Christian Views about War
    • Violence & Pacifism
    • Hinduism and the Treatment of Criminals
    • Prejudice & Discrimination – MLK
    • Social Injustice
    • The Death Penalty
    • Justice in Religion
  • The Religious Aspects of, and Impact of Faith in Buddhism:
    • The Life of the Buddha (including the Four Sights)
    • Enlightenment
    • The Four Noble Truths
    • The Eightfold Path
    • Meditation
    • Places of Worship
    • Puja
    • Festivals
    • The Five Precepts
    • Roles of the Monastic and Lay Sangha
  • GCSE Skills Boost Unit:
    • Describe & Explain – Different Religious Practices
    • Comparison – Similarities and Differences in Beliefs about God
    • Analysis and Interpretation – Using Quotes
    • Argument – More than One View
    • Linking Ideas
    • The Impact of Religion– A Changing Christmas
    • The Religious Aspects of, and Impact of Faith in Sikhism:
    • The Gurdwara
    • Sikh Festivals
    • Guru Nanak
    • Sacred Text
    • Sikh Symbols – The 5 Ks

Key Stage 4 Information

Points to Note

The new AQA GCSE RS Specification began September 2016 with first public examinations were in the summer of 2018. 

The new course provides an exciting opportunity for pupils to engage deeply with the beliefs and practices of Christianity and Islam.  They will focus on the major aspects of each faith and immerse themselves in the tenets which form the backbone of the two largest religions in the world. 

Pupils will also engage in thematic study involving a variety of contemporary issues and the challenges associated with them.  They will approach the issues with an open mind looking at multiple views and will be given the opportunity to express their own views.

Year 9, 10 & 11

Pupils will complete the following units in order through each KS4 year:

Component 1: The study of religions: beliefs, teachings and practices – C1

Component 2: Thematic studies – C2

  • An Introduction GCSE RS
  • How to Answer GCSE Style Questions
  • C1 – Christianity – Beliefs & Teachings:
    • Key Beliefs
  • C1 – Islam – Beliefs & Teachings:
    • Key Beliefs
  • C2 – Theme E: Religion, crime and punishment:
    • Religion, crime and the causes of crime
    • Religion and punishment
  • C2 – Theme A: Relationships and families:
    • Sex, marriage and divorce
    • Families and gender equality
  • C1 – Christianity – Beliefs & Teachings:
    • Jesus Christ and salvation
  • C1 – Islam – Beliefs & Teachings:
    • Authority
  • C2 – Theme B: Religion and life:
    • The origins and value of the universe
    • The origins and value of human life
  • C1 – Christianity – Practices:
    • Worship and festivals
  • C1 – Islam – Practices:
    • Worship
    • Duties and festivals
  • C2 – Theme D: Religion, peace and conflict:
    • Religion, violence, terrorism and war
    • Religion and belief in 21st century conflict
  • C1 – Christianity – Practices:
    • The role of the church in the local and worldwide community
  • Exam Refresher
  • Revision – Thematic – Theme A
  • Revision – Thematic – Theme B
  • Revision – Thematic – Theme D
  • Revision – Thematic – Theme E
  • Revision – Religion – Christianity
  • Revision – Religion – Islam

Exam Board Specifications

Visit the website (http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/religious-studies/gcse/religious-studies-a-8062)
Visit the website (http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/religious-studies/gcse/religious-studies-a-8062/subject-content)
Visit the website (http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/religious-studies/gcse/religious-studies-a-8062/assessment-resources)

 

Extra-Curricular Opportunities

  • Sharples Award for Excellence in Religious Education awarded each half term.
  • Sharples RE Club ran weekly.
  • Invited Speaker (Covering Human Relationships in Islam)
  • Possible field trip to places of worship (Liverpool)

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