Religious studies

Year 7

Religious Studies is taught as part of the Personal Learning Curriculum.

The first theme is creation stories.

We look at religious and non-religious creation stories, investigating similarities and differences. Key focus is on the Genesis story.

In the second part of the year we look at personal journeys, exploring different religious views and teachings on birth, life and death.

Year 8

Religious Studies is taught as part of the Personal Learning Curriculum.

This year we investigate the status religious believers give to animals.
We also look at the concept of spirituality as part of wider work on health and wellbeing.

We also allow time for students to reflect on their own beliefs, views and attitudes.

Year 9

During this year we introduce students to the themes of philosophy and ethics.

Three key areas are studied:

Medical ethics. Here we look at religious views on issues such as abortion and euthanasia.
The existence of God. Here we look at philosophical arguments for and against the existence of God.
How should we treat other living things? Here we develop some themes from Year 8, investigating what religion can teach us about how to treat people and animals.

This has been supported by visits to places of worship in Bristol as part of International Activities Week.

GCSE Philosophy and Religious Studies

The GCSE course is split into two units:

Religion and Morality.

Here we look at moral issues and questions that go the very heart of how we live our lives.

The topics covered are:

Attitudes to matters of life (medical ethics)
Attitudes to the elderly and death
Attitudes to drug abuse
Attitudes to crime and punishment
Attitudes to the rich and poor in society
Attitudes to world poverty

Philosophy and ultimate questions.

We look at philosophical problems and some of life's big questions.

The topics covered are:

The existence of God
Revelation
The problem of suffering and evil
Immortality
Miracles
Science and religion

We encourage students to think about their own opinions and views thorough out the course.

Why do we learn about religion?

We live in a complex and challenging world. One way to help us understand this is to learn about religion. It’s about how people live their lives, show commitment and respect for their environments and each other – and about how people try to answer the most fundamental questions about our lives what it means to be a human being.

Religion has always been with is. Right from the earliest civilisations people have formed beliefs and created practices to give purpose and meaning to their lives. And despite the rise of secularism it shows no signs of disappearing.

Religion continues to provoke debate and discussion around the world and is as relevant today as it has ever been.

Studying religion will open your eyes to a new and fascinating world of meaning and purpose. It will lead to a greater understanding of other people and the complex world we live in.

"Studying religion will open your eyes to a new and fascinating world of meaning and purpose. It will lead to a greater understanding of other people and the complex world we live in."

CURRICULUM