Year 7

Students begin with a basic introduction to key religious beliefs and practices before completing a baseline assessment.

How do religious teachings influence a person’s life? (Autumn Term)

Students focus on how religious belief may affect a person’s attitude and lifestyle. They will look at the Five Pillars of Islam, the parable of the Good Samaritan, the parable of the Lost Son and Sikh beliefs about Sewa.
This unit of work is concluded with a consideration of the Christian teaching of agapé, making links to the charitable work of local churches and culminating in the students supporting a reverse advent calendar hamper appeal.

What does it mean to take responsibility for belonging to a religion? (Spring Term)

Students will learn about a range of initiation ceremonies, including Believers Baptism, Confirmation, Amrit Sanskar and Bar Mitzvah.

How might we answer ultimate questions? (Summer Term)

Students will focus on a number of life’s big questions. They will have the opportunity to discuss, debate and argue possible answers from different religious and non-religious perspectives. The unit concludes with students producing a piece of creative work that may be entered into a national competition, NATRE’s spirited Arts.

Year 8

How does the Buddha’s search for enlightenment impact on the lives of Buddhists today?  (Autumn Term)

Students will be given the chance to find out about the life of the Buddha and how his life has affected many. They will reflect on events in his life, personal qualities and his teachings.

What makes a person inspirational? (Spring Term)

Students will begin by studying the life of Martin Luther King, looking at his achievements and how he was influenced by religion. They then move on to examine the life of Nicky Cruz and how his faith impacted his actions.

How do religions express beliefs about God? (Summer Term)

An opportunity for students to explore religious beliefs and teachings about God: considering the similarities and differences between Hindu, Sikh, Christian and Muslim ideas; whilst also considering the impact these may have on the lives of believers.

Year 9

How Do We Decide What Is Right And Wrong? (Autumn Term)

This unit focuses on issues of morality and a range of ethical theories. Students will be expected to learn about the codes of living from at least two religions as well as some secular ethical theories. It is intended to provide opportunities for students to evaluate their own ethical ideas and values too (both religious and non-religious).

Why do we suffer? (Spring Term)

This unit provides an opportunity for students to examine and reflect on the causes of evil and suffering in the world today and consider a range of responses to suffering (e.g. Christianity, Humanism and Sikhism)

Should we use our wealth to help the poor? (Summer Term)

Students will consider some religious teachings about how people should spend their wealth and what responsibility they might have for those less fortunate than themselves. This unit includes a consideration of the work of Christian Aid, the role of the national lottery in overcoming poverty and also occupations that may be considered moral or immoral.