Religious Studies

Y7 Curriculum 

Y8 Curriculum

Y9 Curriculum

GCSE Religion Studies

Religious Studies Specificaton

Course overview

Religion, in all its forms, attempts to understand fundamental questions about human existence and it has shaped our cultures for millennia.  These are just some of the reasons why studying GCSE Religious Studies is important and relevant.  In this GCSE you will build upon the skills and knowledge gained at KS3 and develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the two largest traditions in the UK and the world: Christianity and Islam.

You will get to examine important philosophical and ethical issues facing humanity: Does God exist?  What happens when we die?  What is our responsibility to the environment?  Can war ever be justified?  How should we deal with criminals?

Course content

• Develop an understanding and appreciation of religious thought and its contribution to individuals, communities and societies
• Help develop a holistic understanding of two religions, enabling you to understand and articulate your own and others’ beliefs, values and commitments
• Develop transferable skills for progression – You will develop analytical and critical thinking skills to enable you to present a wide range of well-informed and reasonable arguments, aiding in progress to AS and A level study.
• Enhance your personal, social and cultural development, your understanding of different cultures locally, nationally and in the wider world and contribute to social and community cohesion.

Exam board and Exam structure

Curriculum Overview

RE@BWBS

The reasons why we study RE

The two important objectives underpinning RE in schools is that pupils should learn both about and from religions. Pupils learn about people of different religions, cultures and beliefs. Pupils look at how belief and faith can affect the way people live their lives. Pupils are encouraged to think about their own beliefs, how these affect their lives and how they might differ from people of different faiths and cultures. They explore the idea of a diverse society and how each belief deserves respect. RE at Bullers Wood Boys is delivered in an issues based format where pupils are able to explore important topics such as racism, the science vs religion debate and conflict through the eyes of the 6 major world religions. They learn about different religious attitudes towards these issues and evaluate the religious responses alongside their own viewpoints.

We aim for pupils to ask questions about life, beliefs about God, right and wrong and what it is to be human in a safe and open-minded environment. As pupils learn more about different religions they are encouraged to reflect on their own lives and how they might be similar or different to those of particular religions. With this deeper understanding of themselves and the beliefs of others, pupils should develop a greater sense of identity and belonging; as well as the importance of respecting and understanding others. Combined with the variety of religions and cultures studied this contributes greatly to their spiritual and moral development without promoting any particular faith.

National Curriculum: 2.1 Every state-funded school must offer a curriculum which is balanced and broadly based and which: promotes the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils at the school and of society, and prepares pupils at the school for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life.