Religion, Philosophy & Ethics
Welcome to the Religion, Philosophy & Ethics Department
Subject Leader
Curriculum Intent
Religion, Philosophy & Ethics is a subject that is interesting, inspiring and relevant to students' own lives and decisions. RPE, meets the statutory requirement for all schools to provide Religious Education, but the subject is not exclusively about religion.
The subject builds on religious knowledge gained at primary school. Its purpose is not to promote any particular faith but to understand more about ourselves, the world in which we live and, most importantly, the people with whom it is shared. We focus on key knowledge within religious framework to develop understanding. Students progress by growing their understanding of different faiths. Students are able to understand and compare beliefs and practises across religions. This provides the opportunity for students to use prior learning when considering common aspects of religion such as religious texts, worship and lifestyle.
RPE lessons are key in developing the 'cultural capital' that also facilitates success across the curriculum. Furthermore, our lessons enable students to engage in healthy and lively debate, present reasoned arguments and to respectfully question ideas and issues.
From the beginning of Year 7 we encourage students to think critically and creatively. This is based on students learning and knowing topics, so that they can form opinion and debate. Our challenging yet inclusive Key Stage 3 curriculum effectively prepares students for further academic study of Religious Studies at GCSE and A Level. To empower students to reach high standards of expression regardless of prior attainment, both written and verbal communication are refined through the explicit teaching of Tier 2 and Tier 3 vocabulary pertaining to each area of study.
Key Stage 3
Philosophy & Ethics
The Key Stage Three course is designed to enable students to gain knowledge and understanding of different belief systems within the UK and across the world, whilst developing critical thinking, reasoning and problem solving abilities.
Year 7:
An Introduction to Philosophy & Ethics
Developing Religious Literacy: The Abrahamic Faiths
Developing Religious Literacy: The Big Story
Developing Religious Literacy: A Study of the Sikh Religion
Year 8:
Developing Religious Literacy: A Study of Islam
Expressions of Spirituality: Worship
Developing Religious Literacy: A Study of Buddhism
Life in Modern Britain: Humanism as a World View
Year 9:
Philosophy & Ethics: Philosophical Theory
Philosophy & Ethics: Understanding and Applying Ethical Theory
Life in Modern Britain: Equality
Key Stage 4
GCSE Religious Studies/Philosophy & Ethics (option subject)
This GCSE provides the opportunity to discuss and debate challenging philosophical and ethical questions, in addition to studying Christianity and Islam, their beliefs and practices.
There are three components:
- Philosophical and Ethical Issues in the Modern World (Relationships, Life and Death, Good and Evil, Human Rights)
- Study of Christianity
- Study of a World Faith: Islam
Core Religious Education and P.S.H.E.
Within our 'Life in Modern Britain' course students explore a range of topics from personal and national identity to thoughts and feelings about ethical issues including dilemmas such as abortion and euthanasia. A range of world views are considered and applied in relation to these issues including, religious, secular and political values.
Other Information
Students in Year 8 visit the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden during the autumn Enrichment Days.
We access a range of outside agencies and community groups to enhance learning. We have particularly close links with the School Health Nurse, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and the A21: 'Bodies are not Commodities' Campaign.
From Year 9 students have the opportunity to participate in the 'Ready or Not Tot' parenting simulation project.
We encourage all students to keep abreast of current issues relevant to the subject through accessing the news and topical broadcasts.