Religious Education

“We may have different religions, different languages,
different coloured skin, but we all belong to one human race.” Kofi Annan

PHILOSOPHY & VISION

Have you ever wondered why we have Army chaplains, who are vicars? Is war ever justifiable? Have you ever wondered why religions are linked with so much conflict in the world? How can learning about religions prevent radicalisation and ignorant extremism? What is it about religions, which makes it so controversial, yet also so inspirational for people like Martin Luther King Junior and the Dalai Lama? What is the link between our state laws and religious laws? Why is Easter and Christmas so important for Christians?

As citizens of the world, it is important that our students must not lose out on knowledge about religious and non-religious worldviews. This will make them more-rounded individuals. Our vision is for our students to become well-informed, thoughtful and tolerant young people. At CCHS we believe that studying Philosophy, Religion and Ethics (PRE) helps students to understand and appreciate different cultures, beliefs and traditions. This helps in developing deeper perceptions of themselves and other people. The subject promotes self-awareness, respect, open-mindedness, appreciation and wonder. PRE also helps pupils develop key skills such as communication, working with others and problem solving. At CCHS, PRE is a curriculum entitlement for all students, as part of a broad and balanced curriculum.

Does life have a purpose? Questions, answers, and more questions

Year 7

A thematic approach interspaced with a direct focus on religion. Themes: Exploring worldviews, making a new start, using figures from Christianity (Zacchaeus, Paul, Nicky Cruz), Poverty; Introduction to ethics (animal rights, the environment, genetic engineering). The study of religions includes origins, beliefs, teachings and practices of Judaism, Islam and Sikhism. Pupils are always learning about and learning from religion, through debate and enquiry

Year 8

A mainly thematic approach, but with a strong use of religious teachings from different religions, aimed at exploring the religious influence in people’s responses to social, moral and philosophical issues. Religion and Human Rights (oppression, poverty, dictatorship, apartheid), Martin Luther King Junior, The problem of evil and suffering from a Buddhist perspective, festivals and pilgrimage group project.

Year 9

Students pull together their strands of knowledge and begin to explore the beliefs and teachings of Christianity and Judaism, covering fundamentalist and liberal beliefs about creation and the creation story, original sin, Trinity, incarnation, crucifixion, death, resurrection and beliefs about heaven and hell.

Year 10

Students begin to study AQA RE short course content. Continuing to explore the beliefs and teachings of Judaism and Christianity. Students also study the themes crime & punishment, peace and conflict and relationship & families. Following the exam board, students study the themes prejudice, discrimination, religion & human rights, focusing on freedom of religion and social justice. A study of key religious events and as well as topical ethical issues from the year.

Year 11

Exploration of the practices of Christianity and Judaism. This includes study of worship, sacraments, pilgrimage, and festivals. Students also explore the themes of God’s existence, covering arguments for and against God’s existence. Finally, students explore the theme of religion and life, covering abortion, euthanasia, death, animal use and experimentation, and environmental issues.

Please note that parents/careers are able to withdraw their child from all or part of the Religious Education (RE) curriculum should they wish.

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