Within the RE Department we aim to engage students in philosophical and ethical debate through the study of religious belief and practice. Through studying the major world religions we challenge bias and prejudice and encourage students to see the world through other people’s eyes. We operate an environment where individuals are free to express their own views and beliefs and an area where pupils opinions are valued, regardless of beliefs or ability. We are staffed by four specialist RE teachers and are based in the J Block. All 4 rooms have Smart Boards and a large collection of shared resources and artefacts.

It is taught for one hour a week to all students in Key Stage 3. All students in Key Stage 4 study RE as part of a programme of study which includes PSHE and Citizenship. There is the option of further study by choosing to take a Full Course GCSE in KS4 and Philosophy of Religion, Ethics and Buddhism at A Level.

Yr 7

Autumn Term
Introduction to philosophy of religion
Key beliefs of Christianity with a focus on the special nature of Jesus

Spring Term
Jewish beliefs and practices including the Shema and Passover

Summer Term
Spirited Arts, Prayer space

Yr 8

Autumn Term
Hinduism and Islam with a focus on the influence of religious leaders (including Muhammad and Gandhi)

Spring Term
Buddhism (this includes a trip to a Buddhist monastery as part of an investigation on worship and meditation)

Summer Term
Spirited Arts, Prayer space

Yr 9

Autumn Term
A study of festivals including Ramadan, Paganism & Samhain, Hannukkah and Christmas

Spring Term
A study of moral issues including war and peace and the environment

Summer Term
Prejudice and discrimination with a focus on racism and community cohesion

Yr 10-11 GCSE – Option

This follows the Eduqas Religion Philosophy and Ethics course. This includes a study of the beliefs, teachings and practices of Christianity and Islam as well as philosophical and ethical topics such as arguments for and against the existence of God, beliefs about life after death, the problem of evil; attitudes towards animal rights, poverty, violence and pacifism. This includes the option of visiting places of worship around Carlisle as part of a study on the style and purpose of worship.

Yr 12 and 13

This follows the Eduqas syllabus. On the course students study Philosophy of Religion, Ethics and Buddhism. Areas of study include:

Philosophy

The existence of God challenges to religious beliefs (evil and suffering, psychological approaches)
Religious Experience
Religious Language

Ethics

Divine Command Theory
Situation Ethics
Utilitarianism
Predestination and Free will

Buddhism

Life of the Buddha
The nature of ultimate reality
Historical development of Buddhism
Buddhist beliefs and practices

Sociology

Sociology at A-Level follows the AQA syllabus. This involves studying the following

AS Sociology

– Families & Households
– Education, Theory and Methods

A2 Sociology

– Beliefs in Society
– Crime and Deviance