Religious Education

At Key Stage Three pupils follow a programme that enriches their understanding of Catholicism. At years 7 & 8 the Bishops Conference Curriculum 2022 has been newly implemented, and at year 9 the scheme of work follows ‘The Life’ Curriculum.  This scheme of work is delivered with a variety of teaching methods and materials, such as PowerPoint presentations, visual and audio materials.

Pupils complete class work that develops a range of skills such as analysis, empathy, evaluation and application of different Christian teachings and viewpoints. This is assessed with a combination of teacher, peer and self-assessment. 

A target is given to allow pupils to improve their written work. Pupils are expected to complete homework on a weekly basis as an integral part of their learning. Peer and Self-assessment is carried out on a regular basis, using green ink to indicate ways to improve.

The Religious Education department always aims to educate the whole person religiously, academically and spiritually, so pupils also follow a Family Life programme (RSE) during Key Stage Three. Pupils are able to discuss and reflect upon key elements of Family Life and their own thoughts and feelings. Pupils are also encouraged to share their experiences of their spiritual journey and use the prayer pages in their homework diaries.

Autumn Term

9.1: The Spiritual Quest

Pupils learn about how Catholics embark on their spiritual quest and the Spiritual Quest of Muslims. They have the opportunity to understand Muslims faith and practices.

9.2 – Family Life

Pupils have the chance to examine their own faith journey during this time. The following areas are also studied – grief, domestic violence, homophobic bullying. Pupils have the opportunity to discuss topical issues in the light of our Catholic faith. 

Spring Term

We begin the study of the GCSE in this term.

Catholic Christianity, St Mark’s Gospel & Judaism

At Key Stage 4 pupils follow the AQA exam board, syllabus b – they have an opportunity to study St Mark’s Gospel (25%), Judaism (25%) and Catholic Christianity (50%). There are a variety of teaching methods used and an end of topic test is given using GCSE questions and marked to the exam board criteria.

The GCSE course is finished early in year 11 to facilitate a detailed revision programme. Materials are always available from the department.

Every student is required to have a copy of St Mark’s Gospel – which can be bought from their Religious Education teacher or the department for £1, we would also advise a revision book to be purchased in year 9, these are available from the department for £6.

Revision sessions are held on Saturdays and at half terms - pupils will be identified and invited to attend these throughout the key stage.

Homework is set once a week and looks to build upon knowledge gained in class and prepare for the exam.

We begin our studies with Judaism, to get a full understanding of our tradition.

Course content - Judaism

Judaism – Beliefs and Teachings

This topic allows pupils to find out about the main beliefs within Judaism, the concept and nature of God, life after death, nature and role of the messiah, Promised Land, the Ten Commandments and the sanctity of life.

Judaism – Practices

Pupils will learn about Synagogues, Prayer, worship in the home, Bar and Bat Mitzvah, marriage and Pesach. They will try to understand the meaning and importance of these practices as well as others for the Jewish believers.

Summer Term                                                    

In the summer term we move on to St Mark’s Gospel (25%)

Catholic Christianity, St Mark’s Gospel & Judaism

At Key Stage 4 pupils follow the AQA exam board, syllabus b – they have an opportunity to study St Mark’s Gospel (25%), Judaism (25%) and Catholic Christianity (50%) . There are a variety of teaching methods used and an end of topic test is given using GCSE questions and marked to the exam board criteria.

The GCSE course is finished early in year 11 to complete one topic of Family Life (RSE) and then to facilitate a detailed revision programme, where Materials are always available from the department.

Every student is required to have a copy of St Mark’s Gospel – which can be bought from their Religious Education teacher or the department for £1.

Revision sessions are held on Saturdays and at half terms - pupils will be identified and invited to attend these throughout the key stage.

Homework is set once a week and looks to build upon knowledge gained in class and prepare for the exam.

Autumn term – we continue with our St Mark’s Gospel study.

Theme E – St Mark’s Gospel as a source of spiritual truth

Pupils will have the opportunity to study the Kingdom of God, Jesus’ relationship with those disregarded in society and Faith and Discipleship. 

Course content – Catholic Christianity (50%)

Creation

In this topic, pupils will study the Catholic belief of the origin of the world and humans, Genesis creation stories. An explanation of what Genesis shows us about God as creator, transcendent and omnipotent, and understand the importance of these beliefs.  Stewardship and sustainability, caring for the environment – including the study of the aid agency CAFOD.

Spring term

Incarnation

This topic will cover the concept of God taking on the human condition as Jesus, coming to earth in the form of man, the incarnation. A study of Jesus as both fully human and fully God, how Religious Art helps our understanding of the incarnation. How the seven sacraments are used to help make life holy for Catholics and how the idea of humans being imago dei influences Catholic beliefs about the protection of the unborn.

The Triune God

Pupils will be expected to study and appreciate the music used in worship and the liturgy. The Trinity will be examined as part of the Nicene Creed and the influence of the trinity on Christians today.  Explain the importance of Baptism as a sign of joining and sharing in the life of the Trinity and prayer and explain how prayer, both traditional and spontaneous, helps Catholics to raise their hearts and minds to God.

Summer term

Redemption

This topic sees pupils study the various features in a Catholic Church and explain how these can help Catholics to worship. To explain the importance of the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus; especially in relation to redemption. Salvation viewed as a past, present and future, a study of the last supper and the works of St Irenaeus and St Anselm.

Autumn term - Course content

The Church and the Kingdom of God

This topic looks at Christian views on the Stations of the Cross, pilgrimage especially in relation to Jerusalem, Rome, Walsingham and Lourdes. An appreciation of how drama helps mission and evangelism. To understand the meaning of the Kingdom of God, especially in the Lord ’s Prayer the values of the Kingdom and the commandment ‘love thy neighbour’.

Eschatology

Pupils will study the features and meaning of the Paschal candle, the beliefs about life after death, the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. An understanding of the prayers and actions used in the funeral rite, the ideas of the sanctity of life and the care of the dying and euthanasia.

Revision Tips

1. Have you got a copy of the specification for each of the three sections of the exam? Tick off what you know and revise what you are unsure of.
2. Have you got your copy of all of the Bible passages you need? Make sure that you read every passage and learn each one. Highlight the parts that you keep forgetting and then reread these parts. Test yourself and get others to test you.
3. Click here to go through to the AQA syllabus so that you can make sure that you have covered all areas of the syllabus in your revision.
4. Ask your teacher for exam questions. You must practice answering questions in a short space of time.
5. Attend the extra revision sessions at lunchtimes, Saturdays and as required by your teacher.

Pupils are required to answer 5 questions in each section of the exam. All questions will follow the same format: 1 mark, 2 marks, 4 marks, 5 marks and 12 marks.

AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of religion and beliefs.

• Beliefs, practices and sources of authority
• Influence on individuals, communities and societies
• Similarities and differences within and/or between religions and beliefs.

AO2: Analyse and evaluate aspects of religion and belief, including their significance and influence

These questions require pupils to evaluate and come to conclusions having looked at both sides of the argument. They will learn to use their knowledge to justify their arguments.

Philosophy, Religion & Ethics and New Testament

At Key Stage 5 pupils study Philosophy, Religion & Ethics and New Testament. We follow the Edexcel exam board sitting a one hour exam paper in each topic at the end of year 12 and a two hour paper in each topic at the end of year 13, combining the knowledge of the key stage together. Pupils are able to discuss and analyse their own beliefs as well as being challenged by the ideas of philosophers and scholars in this field.

Lessons are taught in the Catherine of Siena block and involve a wide range of teaching methods and strategies to allow the pupils to develop a fuller understanding of the topics.

Pupils need to study the anthology scripts as indicated by the exam board and use them in their answers.

Pupils are also expected to complete homework as their teacher directs, including extra reading and exam practice. Peer and self-assessment are used in both homework and classwork in order to evaluate their progress and set targets for improvement.

At A level we follow the Edexcel exam board, please see an outline of what is studied.

You will have an exam on each paper lasting 1 hour; each paper will have two sections.

Section a – 26 marks and section b – 28 marks. A total of 54 marks

In year 13 all A Level knowledge is combined and any aspect can be tested in the final exams. We follow the Edexcel exam board; please see below for an outline of what is studied.

You will have an exam on each paper lasting 2 hours; each paper will have three sections.

Section A, section B and section C out of 80 marks.

The paper includes short-open, open-response and extended writing questions.

Synoptic assessment

Synoptic assessment requires students to work across different parts of a qualification and to show their accumulated knowledge and understanding of a topic or subject area.

Synoptic assessment enables students to show their ability to combine their skills, knowledge and understanding with breadth and depth of the subject.

Students will be able to demonstrate this through the extended essay in Question 4.