Religious Education

The Religious Education Department strives to encourage children to show an interest in diversity and the rituals and beliefs about the world in which we live. We want to engage and excite students about the main world religions, morality and philosophical thinking.  We believe that the study of Religious Education is important to developing young people to think critically, act ethically and understand people’s differences through having an open mind and tolerance. Through this understanding of the world around us, our students will be better equipped to shape their choices for the future. The skills learned in Religious Education will allow them to debate, discuss, evaluate and critically analyse. These skills will give young people a voice to be heard. 

We aim to create the absolute best ethically aware community. We challenge students to think, act and speak like experts.  

 The Religious Education curriculum at The Heys School is designed to engage, inspire, challenge and encourage pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to answer challenging thought-provoking questions. Religious Education asks deep and often searching questions about pertinent contemporary moral issues, delving deeper into their own views and beliefs by other faiths. The curriculum provides opportunities for collaborative working as well as independent learning. The religious Education curriculum will help to develop responsibility and respect for all aspects of diversity, whether it be social, cultural and religious, and prepare pupils well for life in modern Britain. 

In Key stage 3 assessments are completed every half term to track and monitor the progress of students. Feedback is given to students about what they have done well and how they can improve.  

In KS3 students are taught in mixed ability classes They receive one hour per week.  

At Key Stage 4 students opt to study Religious Studies. Religious studies students follow Eduqas  exam specification component A. They will be awarded a grade 1-9 following their GCSE examinations in the summer of Year 11. 

Paper 1(50%) examines ethical issues in the modern world looking at 4 topics; 

  • End of Life 
  • Relationships 
  • Human Rights 
  • Good and evil 

Paper 2 (25%) examines Christian beliefs and practices. 

Paper 3 (25%) examines Islamic beliefs and practices. 

Students have 3 one-hour lessons per week. 

Assessments to track progress are set regularly throughout each half term. With feedback being related to GCSE criteria to highlight areas of strength. 

Throughout their time at the Heys, students are taught the following key skills: 

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of religion and belief, including: 

 

  • Beliefs, practices and sources of authority 
  • influence on individuals, communities and societies 
  • similarities and differences within and/or between religions and beliefs 
  • Analyse and evaluate aspects of religion and belief, including their significance and influence 

The topics students cover throughout Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 are outlined in the links below:

Curriculum Overview RE KS3 & KS4 (2023-24)

Links to GCSE Exam Board Specifications

The specification code for GCSE Religious Studies is Route A3 – including Component 3 Option 3: Islam C120P3

http://www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/religious-studies/gcse/

 

Long Term KS3 and 4 Scheme of Work 

KS3 

 

Year 7 Themes/Focus 

 

 

Rules of Religion 

Pilgrimages 

Behaviours and Beliefs 

Community and Founders 

 

Year 8 Themes/Focus 

 

Beliefs about God 

Rites of Passage 

Conflict and Religion 

Relationships and Religion 

Equality and Religion  

Morals and Religion  

 

Year 9 Themes/Focus 

 

Morals and Religion  

Life after death 

Crime and forgiveness 

Religion and the media 

 

 

KS4 

 

Year 10 Themes/Focus 

 

Beliefs and teachings of Christianity & Islam 

Islam and Christianity beliefs in action 

 

Year 11 Themes/Focus 

Human rights 

End of Life 

Human relationships 

Good and Evil 

Yr11 open house intervention/exam prep at lunch times

 

Department produced revision guides, PLC and materials

We aim to nurture global citizens who explore complex issues of the past, present and future; to become resilient lifelong learners who have the skills, knowledge and values to succeed in a dynamic modern society.

Lead Practitioner: Mr M Jackson