Religious Education

Staff

Head of Department

M M Bower

Subject Teachers

Mrs E Dorman Mrs A Riordan
 

Aims

Given the importance and influence of religion in general and of Christianity in particular, both in our history and in the contemporary world, a broad and balanced education for our children requires a place for Religious Studies in the curriculum. Pupils’ understanding of history, literature, music, art, and the cultural and political diversity of our modern world is enhanced by an academic study of religion, based on sound educational principles. Also, in our increasingly secular, materialistic and technological society, Religious Studies allows pupils to consider religious and spiritual perspectives on life.

The Religious Studies department seeks to further the general aims of the school and has a particular role to play in the whole school’s aim ‘to foster a respect for spiritual and moral values and a tolerance towards other races, religions and ways of life’. In addition to this, the department aims:

  • to help pupils in their quest for meaning and purpose by promoting an understanding and appreciation of the spiritual dimension of humanity and in particular of its religious beliefs and practices

  • to assist pupils to know about, to understand and to be able to evaluate religious insights, experiences, concepts, beliefs and practices so that they can make a thoughtful response

  • to examine and reflect upon contemporary moral questions and to note the influence of Christianity on personal moral behaviour, thus enabling pupils to become responsible, rational and independent decision makers

  • to develop a deeper awareness and a more sensitive understanding of the contribution of religion in general and of Christianity in particular to both the religious and cultural dimensions of our society

  • to contribute, along with the other departments, to the total development of pupils - spiritually, morally and socially

Key Stage 3

Year 8

  • Worldviews : What are worldviews? What impacts do they have? Different religions.

  • The Bible and Old Testament characters : Key figures such as Abraham, Moses, David and Esther.

  • Judaism : What do Jews believe about God? The Torah, the Synagogue, and the Jewish festivals.

  • Rites of Passage : Different rites of passage in a variety of cultures and religions.

Year 9

  • Islam : Who was Muhammad? What do Muslims believe? The Five Pillars of Islam.

  • The Life and Teachings of Jesus : Key stories and teachings, why Jesus is important to Christians, miracles of Jesus, and non-religious views on miracles.

  • Ethics : Different approaches to ethics, the trolley problem, capital punishment, environmental ethics, and how we should treat animals, including Christian perspectives.

  • Faith in Action : Historical figures inspired by their faith.

Year 10

  • Sikhism : What do Sikhs believe? How do Sikhs worship? The 5 Ks.

  • Philosophy : Ancient Greek philosophers, the meaning of life, the existence of God, the problem of suffering, and different views of the afterlife.

  • Crime and Punishment : The aims of punishment, capital punishment, forgiveness, and Christian views on punishment.

GCSE

At Regent House, pupils follow either CCEA GCSE short or full course. The short course covers:

  • An Introduction to Christian Ethics (personal and family issues, matters of life and death, bioethics, prejudice and discrimination, poverty, war and peace).

In addition, those following the full course GCSE will study:

  • An Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion (the existence and nature of God, creation and science, the problem of evil and suffering, experiencing God, life after death).

A Level

Pupils study the CCEA GCE Religious Studies course.

In Year 13 at AS Level, pupils follow an Introduction to the Acts of the Apostles (the earliest history of the Christian Church) and the Foundations of Ethics with Special Reference to Issues in Medical Ethics.

In Year 14 at A2 Level, pupils follow Themes in Selected Letters of Paul (1 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians) and Global Ethics.

No religious faith is required or assumed in the delivery of the Religious Studies curriculum and the completion of the courses outlined above..

Careers

As with other A Level courses, Religious Studies is fully recognized by universities and is relevant for courses in, for example, Theology, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology, Ancient History, Classical Civilisations, Anthropology and Archaeology. 

Religious Studies is especially useful for those considering Christian ministry or mission, school teaching or any of the caring professions. The reasoning and debating skills developed in the philosophical side of the subject are particularly relevant for a legal career.