The Ethics 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 Ethics 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 Ethics 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 very best ethically aware community. We challenge students to think, act and speak like experts. We do this by quality first teaching which ensures students understand geographical principles and can apply them in a variety of familiar and unfamiliar contexts form around the world.
The Ethics 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. Ethics 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 Ethics 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 years 7 and 8, 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.
The Paper 1(50%) is examining 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 link below:
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
Rites of Passage
Rules of Religion
Pilgrimages
Behaviours and Beliefs
Year 8 Themes/Focus
Conflict and Religion
Equality and Religion
Beliefs about God
Morals and Religion
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