What we offer at KS 3/4/5

RS in Key stage three is a thought provoking and engaging curriculum which covers all of the 6 major world faiths in addition to humanist and atheist views. We tackle big questions about the world as well as completing in depth studies of religious beliefs & practices. We investigate world views using an open minded and evaluative eye.

Pupils study 2 hours of RS over a two week period and receive 2 pieces of history homework per academic term.

The big Questions in year 7 RS include, but are not limited to...

• Does God Exist?

• How and why do people worship?

• How do major religious festivals impact behaviour around the world?

• How are the teachings of Buddhism relevant today?

In year 9 pupils move on to study both Citizenship & Philosophy. This is to give them a taste of the two GCSE options available in year 10. This content allows pupils to engage with national and international debates both political and ethical. It enables them to become critical thinkers for the future. Topics include...

• UK Government & Politics

• British Law

• Pressure Groups

• Animal Rights

• Crime & Punishment

Qualifications at KS4 and KS5

At KS4 we offer two GCSE courses both from the AQA exam board.

AQA GCSE Citizenship - A course that delves into how the UK operates as a country and as a world power. Students learn the key features of British politics, law, economy and values as well as how we engage in international organisations as well as how we exercise our democratic rights. Pupils sit two written exams as well as conduct their own active citizenship investigation (worth 12.5% of their GCSE). Exam units include:

• Active Citizenship

• Rights & Responsibilities

• Life in Modern Britain

• Politics & Participation

AQA GCSE RS A - This course is perfect for students who love to debate and critically evaluate ethical issues and religious concepts. The GCSE explores both religious and non religious arguments from a range of moral and ethical stimulus as well as looking at religious beliefs and practices in Christianity & Islam. Pupils take 2 written GCSE exams. Topics include...

• Religion & Life

• Religion, Peace & Conflict

• Religion, Crime & Punishment

• Existence of God

• Christian Beliefs & Practices

• Muslim Beliefs & Practices

At KS5 we offer several IB courses that stem from pupils love of political and philosophical debate. Courses available are...

• IB Philosophy

• IB Global Politics

Extra curricular activities in the RS & Citizenship Department

The Philosophy department runs a Philosophy club where ethical issues and philosophical theories (outside of our curriculum) are discussed and debated.

The Citizenship department run a club infamously known as 'Mr Gale's News' where students and staff meander through Political issues and news headlines of the day. This is enthusiastically attended by our 6th form pupils and political debates are a weekly occurrence.

Trips to parliament run every academic year and are open to the GCSE / IB cohort as well as those year 9 pupils who show enthusiasm and passion to pursue politics further. We have had many successful trips and insightful conversations / interviews with some of our most prolific MP's. We have also managed to slip into the house of commons gallery and see our own Prime Minister and cabinet at work.