RE

Religious Education is a study of religions which includes an analysis and appreciation of wider philosophical ideas. The rationale behind the course is to give students a chance to understand how religions might affect the lifestyles of individuals and communities, before then looking at how religion has an influence on political, social, philosophical, and moral thinking in the 21^st century.

Religious Education is not intended to persuade one way or the other about the ‘correctness’ of religion. It is there to encourage and allow students to make their own mind up by putting in front of them the relevant information and evidence, whether that evidence suggests or denies the existence of God or the reliability of religious doctrine. Religious Education is designed to allow students the chance to consider their own feelings and thoughts about such questions as ‘why am I alive?’, ‘is there a purpose to existence?’. It will also help them to explore their own moral opinions, as well as to compare and contrast these against the traditions of the major world religions

Mr I Sargeant
Curriculum Leader

Religious Education KS3

Main skills developed in Year 7:	Main skills developed in Year 8:
researching information communication skills comprehension skills analysis and evaluation empathy - trying to put oneself into someone else's position developing a range of personal, listening and thinking skills within a variety of contexts	assimilating information - selecting and evaluating information application of information - applying information in new ways synthesis - creating something new using one's understanding analysis evaluating information
How parents can help to support their son's/daughter's learning in Year 7:	How parents can help to support their son's/daughter's learning in Year 8:
check homework is completed test them on spellings of key words point out articles on religion in newspapers, on the news, TV etc. talk about issues which crop up in RE such as ethical issues and other people's beliefs show an appreciation of other cultures, especially when travelling abroad	when visiting places, new towns etc, try to pop into place of worship finding computer websites which could be of use helping students to research, and showing them how to use the research to create original work ask them questions about what they have done in class talk to them about religious ideas and religious items in the news

Religious Education KS4

Exam Board:

AQA

Qualification:

GCSE

Assessment:

Examination 100%

Outline of course content:

Sikhism and Islam: you will study the beliefs, teachings, and practices of Sikhism and then of Islam. In each of these separate religions you will learn how to identify and question elements of belief in the sources of Sikh and Islamic authority. You will investigate how these, in turn, impact on the lives of individuals, communities, and societies through things such as worship, daily life, cultural norms, and political values. At the same time, you will learn to identify and explain differences of interpretation and attitude within individuals and between factions within the same religion.
Religion, human rights and social justice: You will study religious and non-religious teachings about the role of human rights in society, as well as the responsibilities that come with having rights, such as the need to respect the rights of others. Included in this module will be the issue of equality, freedom of belief and religion, prejudice and discrimination, the matter of wealth and poverty, and the exploitation of the poor through means such as human trafficking
Religion, peace and conflict: You will investigate the role that religion plays in the issues of war, violence, and terrorism. You will be encouraged to evaluate the impact that religion has on a nation’s attitude to war, as well as on the mind-set of individuals who might be swayed by religious notions and interpretations.
Religion and life: In this rather more philosophical module, you will investigate and assess religious and scientific theories about the universe, including the Big Bang Theory, evolution, the religious idea of human stewardship, and dominion. You will also explore the practices of abortion and euthanasia as well as the treatment of animals in our society. A comparison of beliefs about the afterlife will round off this module.
The existence of God and revelation: In this module, you will understand the philosophical ‘proofs’ that have been put forward to argue for God’s existence. The theme of ‘revelation,’ or how God reveals Himself to the world, is also analysed, as is the argument that nature and scripture can be seen as a way of understanding what and who God is.

Developing skills:

You will:

be required to show your knowledge and understanding of the religions studied
use specialist vocabulary to inform your work
be required to use and develop the full range of thinking skills necessary for the study of any subject at sixth form or college
develop skills of investigation and evaluation to show the nature and relevance of religious thought and practice in the world
give personal responses to questions about life and moral issues, supporting your answers with facts and evidence, thus improving your ability to think quickly but deeply, as well as your ability to see and accept different points of view

Careers using RE

The study of Religious Education can help to provide the background knowledge and understanding required for a wide range of career opportunities. There are many job roles where the study of RE helps to provide a suitable insight.

You may wish to become very committed to your religion and work as a leader for that faith. This is very demanding and requires considerable dedication. The title given to this role will vary depending upon your faith.

Dedicated religious work can also involve roles with the following; hospitals, the prison service, universities, schools, and the Armed Forces. This work is usually providing spiritual and moral guidance during times of difficulty. This is often delivered privately to individuals, but can also involve working with groups of people.

RE relates to many roles which require an understanding of people and a perspective on world affairs. Given the subject looks in detail at the beliefs of a wide range of people from diverse backgrounds, it can provide supporting knowledge for the following work areas:

advisory work
broadcasting
careers guidance
youth and community work
counselling
healthcare
human resources
journalism
law
local government
marketing
medicine
nursing
police work
prison and probation work
social work
teaching
tourism

However the above roles will also require further bespoke professional qualifications.

Getting started and progressing:

Religious studies at A-Level is offered by several local sixth forms. This can be combined with other subjects to make a complete timetable. Progression to degree level study is available in Religious Education and Theology. These subjects are also offered, with others, by several Universities to produce a ‘joint honours’ degree.

For those wanting to work as a representative of their faith, voluntary work and community involvement is usually required and represents a good starting point.