Curricula – Religious Studies

Vision

Our vision for our students is for them to become not just tolerant but appreciative of the variety of values, beliefs and practices that exist in Britain’s pluralistic society. This will involve challenging misconceptions and stereotypes that exist in the community and extending their knowledge and understanding of the sixth major world faiths and atheism. We are passionate about them being aware of modern-day issues and events and aim for them to be able to make meaningful contributions to relevant debates. We will also use our subject as a vessel to promote and improve literacy.  Collectively these aims will allow our students to leave The Radclyffe School as well-informed, open-minded and considerate individuals.

Year 7 Curriculum Intent

By the end of Year 7 students are able to appreciate the difference between knowing and believing and have an understanding of a variety of world views including atheism, theism and agnosticism. They will also gain an understanding of Abrahamic religions and their origins within the prophets of Judaism. They will understand how Christianity and Islam then spread following the key figures of Jesus and Muhammad. Students also know what a statement is and can respond to it by giving simple points for and against it. Students know how to explain their own view.

Year 7 Topics

• What is Faith?
• Judaism as an Abrahamic Faith
• Who was Jesus?
• Introduction to Islam

Year 8 Curriculum Intent

By the end of Year 8 students are able to understand the central beliefs of Hinduism including deities and the Caste System. They will understand how this and other social hierarchies gave rise to inspirational figures.  They will also understand the key beliefs of Christians and Sikhs. Students know how to develop points with examples, including the use of paraphrasing. They know how to develop points by embedding quotes and use evidence to justify their answer.

Year 8 Topics

• Introduction to Hinduism
• Inspirational People
• Introduction to Christianity
• Introduction to Sikhism

Year 9 Curriculum Intent

By the end of Year 9 students are able to understand the beliefs of five of the six major world religions. They are also able to debate whether the followers of these religions can believe in both religion and science. They will be able to consider whether religion has a positive or negative impact on society. They will then apply their knowledge to the case study of Oldham, considering key religions and interfaith projects. Students know how to create logical chains of argument, evaluate and form a conclusion.

Year 9 Topics

• Introduction to Buddhism
• Can you believe in Science and Religion?
• Is religion dangerous?
• Faith and belief in Oldham

Year 10 Curriculum Intent

By the end of 10 students are able to have an in-depth knowledge of Islam and Christianity. They will understand how the beliefs influence the lives of individuals and will be able to draw out similarities and contrasts between and within the different faiths. Students know how to form a justified conclusion.

Year 10 Topics

• Muslim Beliefs
• Muslim Practices
• Christian Beliefs
• Christian Practices

Year 11 Curriculum Intent

By the end of Year 11 students are able to understand how religious beliefs impact on world views surrounding key debates such as euthanasia, abortion and the death penalty. They will also gain an awareness of the views of British society on these topics. Students know how to write a justified conclusion which evaluates the strength of the evidence discussed in the essay.

Year 11 Topics

• Theme A: Relationships and Families
• Theme E: Crime and Punishment
• Theme B: Religion and Life
• Theme D: Peace and Conflict