Philosophy, Religion and Ethics (PRE)

The aim of Philosophy, Religion and Ethics is to develop wholesome individuals and critical thinkers who are enthusiastic and curious about the world we live in. Through learning from and about Hinduism, different religions, philosophical and ethical theories students will be empowered to ask and answer the ‘big’ questions of life.

OVERVIEW OF COURSE

The Philosophy, Religion and Ethics (PRE) curriculum intents to examine the most basic questions concerning human existence sambandha (the relationship between the living entity and the Supreme Entity), abhidheya (the means for attaining the object of pursuit) and prayojana (the very object of pursuit) namely man, the world, and God. The PRE curriculum’s main focus is developing an appreciation and deepening one’s faith in the Chaitanya Hindu tradition and it rests upon the study of five precepts of Caitanya Mahaprabu’s teaching: chanting Holy Name, deity worship, studying scripture, devotee association and residing at holy place.

The curriculum also enables students to learn from and about different faiths, philosophic theories and approaches to asking and answering the ‘big’ questions in life.

PROGRAMME OF STUDY

SKILLS / KNOWLEDGE / UNDERSTANDING

The curriculum develops learners’

a) knowledge and understanding of Hinduism, major faiths and other world-views and

b) critical thinking skills.

The PRE curriculum aims to ensure that all pupils:

Know about and understand Hinduism, and a range of religions and worldviews, so that they can:

Describe, explain and analyse beliefs and practices, recognising the diversity which exists within and between communities and amongst individuals;
identify, investigate and respond to questions posed, and responses offered by some of the sources of wisdom found in religions and worldviews;
appreciate and appraise the nature, significance and impact of different ways of life and ways of expressing meaning.

Express ideas and insights about the nature, significance and impact of Hinduism, religions and worldviews, so that they can:

explain reasonably their ideas about how beliefs, practices and forms of expression influence individuals and communities;
express with increasing discernment their personal reflections and critical responses to questions and teachings about identity, diversity, meaning and value, including ethical issues;
appreciate and appraise varied dimensions of religion or a worldview.

Gain and deploy the skills needed to engage seriously with Hinduism, religions and worldviews, so that they can:

find out about and investigate key concepts and questions of belonging, meaning, purpose and truth, responding creatively;
enquire into what enables different individuals and communities to live together respectfully for the wellbeing of all;
articulate beliefs, values and commitments clearly in order to explain why they may be important.

METHODS OF ASSESSMENT

Progress will be regularly assessed through class work, homework and knowledge tests. In addition, students will be assessed through:

Summative assessments in the line of the school’s progress reviews

Peer and self-assessment

·Knowledge tests

Quality of their performing art works: art, drama and music; which is in the spirit of school’s ethos.

These methods of assessments will provide differing means of measuring the impact of PRE on students’ lives.

HOW PARENTS / CARERS CAN HELP

Academically:

At the start of each topic your child will receive a topic tracker which contains a description of what will be covered in each lesson. You could:

· check your child’s exercise book for presentation, effort, spelling, grammar and punctuation

· help manage the homework process. Let your child know you think education is important and that homework is a priority. Set aside a special place to study and establish a regular time for homework. Help your child stay organized, ask about daily assignments, and monitor their work. Always remember to notice and praise effort.

· discuss their progress by checking topic progress trackers at the start of each topic

· discuss your child’s learning by using the topic assessment tracker as a question generator

· discussing your child’s assessment tracker at the front of your child’s exercise books

· encourage reading- read the same book with them. Taking it one step further, discuss the book together afterwards

Spiritually:

· Having meals together with no TV, mobile and other distractions.

· Be a student of your child's heart and get to know his or her special gifts and passions—then provide the opportunities for your child to grow in these areas.

· Dedicate time each day to acknowledge God in your lives.

· Encourage children to desire and value hard work. Look for opportunities to serve others as a family.

· Taking part in Pandava Sena Nights (whole family events).

· Visiting Bhaktivedanta Manor, especially on Sundays and festival days.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR

Clubs:

· Uncommon Sense- focus on life-skills and character development (Fortnightly)

· Journey Within- focus on spiritual insight (Fortnightly)

Trips:

· Bhaktivedanta Manor

· St Alban’s and/Wells Cathedral; places of worship of various faiths

· Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies

· Trips across the UK, Europe, and India through the Avanti Trust.

Speakers:

Regular talks from monks, religious leaders and academics