Purpose and Aims
‘All children need to acquire core knowledge and understanding of the beliefs and practices of the religions and worldviews which not only shape their history and culture but which guide their own development. The modern world needs young people who are sufficiently confident in their own beliefs and values that they can respect the religious and cultural differences of others, and contribute to a cohesive and compassionate society.’
We want that all of our students will be able to start the sentence, “I think that….” with a critical confidence based on a secure knowledge of not only their own thinking but that of others.
Teaching and learning approach
Modern and engaging – Students gain a deeper understanding of religion and worldviews, through substantive and disciplinary knowledge, while exploring the impact that belief has on the world in which we live. This is done through lessons that use a strong mix of thematic, narrative and topical content. The students also investigate philosophical and ethical issues in the modern world. These different threads all help to bring life in the modern world into a sharper focus.
Designed to inspire – Thought provoking content that explores relationships and families, peace and conflict, belief in God and non-religious belief and worldviews. In particular, we want our lessons to be a springboard for a lifetime of learning and questioning.
Skills for today’s world – Religious Studies develops the vital skills of critical evaluation and analysis to engage with the world in which we live, allowing the students to make links, understand different viewpoints and engage on a deeper level with the issues of the day. It is here that the personal knowledge, firmly supported by substantive knowledge will be most evident. These skills will serve them throughout their lives in a myriad of different careers.
Curriculum Implementation
Following the Bexley Agreed Syllabus, KS3 pupils embark on a critical study of the beliefs and practices of all the major religious worldviews, delivered in lessons that are a good mix of thematic, topic based learning, as well as looking some of the ethical issues facing the world of sports. At KS4, following the OCR J625 curriculum, they focus on Christianity and Islam and philosophical and ethical issues in the world today. At KS5, again, following the OCR board, H573, this course of study is further deepened and contextualised through a study of the philosophy of religion, the thorny subject of morality and an examination of how Christian thought has developed and changed over time.
Key Stage 3
Y7
Y8
Y9
Key Stage 4
OCR J625 GCSE – /01 Christian beliefs and practices; /02 Islamic beliefs and practices; /06 Christian perspectives
Key Stage 5
OCR H573 A level - /01 - Philosophy of religion; /02 – Ethics; /03 – Development of Christian Thought
Key Stage 3
Y7 trip to Canterbury Cathedral
Philosophy Club
TED talks
Key Stage 4
TED talks
Philosophy Club
Key Stage 5
FACEBOOK page – Chis and Sid Moral Sciences Club
A level Conference
Prefecture – various opportunities – running Philosophy Club
Key Stage 3
Termly topic based assessments, essay based; book marking; homework marking – peer and self-assessment
Key Stage 4
End of topic tests – exam based – tests knowledge and exam skills; homework – tests knowledge and exam skills
Key Stage 5
End of topic tests – exam based – tests knowledge and exam skills; homework – tests knowledge and exam skills
Key Stage 3
KS3 Religious Studies - BBC Bitesize
Key Stage 4
GCSE Religious Studies - OCR - BBC Bitesize
GCSE Learning and Revision | GCSEPod
Key Stage5
Homepage | peped (teachable.com)
Logos | Online (divinityphilosophy.net)
Key Stage 3
Key Stage 4
Key Stage 5
Key Stage 3
Key Stage 4
Key Stage 5
Key Stage 3
Key Stage 4
Key Stage 5