Religious Studies

Religious Studies forms a core part of our curriculum.  It gives all students the opportunity to explore accepted behaviour and world views within society. Our aim is to provide our students with a balanced RE curriculum that supports the development of their own religious literacy. Our lessons aim to create a safe space which stimulates debate and discussion. Our Teachers who are experts in their field, will help students to develop their skills by challenging the variety of conceptions, preconceptions and misconceptions. Through the study of religion our students will consider the following fields:

• Theology (believing): exploring where beliefs come from - how they have transformed over time, how they are applied differently in different circumstances and how they relate to each other.

• Philosophy (thinking): exploring concepts like ethics, the nature of reality, thought, existence, time, morality, meaning and value.

• Social Sciences (living): exploring the varied ways in which people express their beliefs; engaging with the impact of beliefs on individuals, communities, and societies.

At Key Stage three, students’ study nine units which include:

• God and creation
• The Fall and why people are good
• The people of God and wisdom
• Inspiration and action
• What is so radical about Jesus
• Salvation and enlightenment
• Life and death
• Living the Christian life
• Living the Muslim life

At key stage four students opt to take either Full course GCSE Religious Studies or to follow the Religion and Life programme.  

All students will take a qualification in Religious Studies.

Students explore issues of Christian Belief and Muslim Belief and two themes:  Relationships and Families, Religion Peace and Conflict. Students who opt to study the Full Course GCSE will also study Christian Practices, Muslim Practices and two further themes that include: Religion and Life, and Religion Crime and Punishment.

Through the study of religion and world views students gain a greater understanding of their own beliefs, and those of others. The skills, knowledge and understanding acquired are transferable, and the qualification is a vital foundation for those considering a career in social services, local government, emergency services, healthcare, counselling, armed forces, diplomatic service, local or national government, teaching and religious occupations. Philosophy & Ethics is a popular and successful subject at Sixth Form College and a number of our students have gone on to study Theology at university. 

Skills for Life/ PSHE/ Citizenship

This is a non-examined course. At Key Stage four this is delivered through the Religion and life lessons. It includes the statutory elements of personal, social, health and citizenship education.  This gives students an opportunity to discuss and learn about important ‘life’ issues that are not necessarily covered by their GCSE subjects and without the constraints of examinations. [Citizenship is also delivered through a cross-curricular approach.]  We are also able to address issues that are current.  When addressing these issues, we will often take the opportunity to invite outside agencies in to speak with our students in order to supplement their learning. The Skills for Life curriculum equips learners to achieve to the very best of their abilities. They are encouraged to live healthy, safe, productive, capable, responsible and balanced lives. Learners are encouraged to live the Christian values in their daily lives. Schemes of work are designed to encourage our learners to make effective decisions which have a positive impact on their learning, career choices and in achieving economic wellbeing. Learners are provided with opportunities to reflect on, clarify their own values and attitudes, and explore the complex and conflicting range of values and attitudes encountered now and in the future. Learners will also develops inter and intra personal skills allowing them to develop team work and personal skills ensuring they make a positive contribution in school, at home and in their futures.

How studying Religious Studies supports your future career

https://www.truetube.co.uk/film/my-future-my-career-my-re?tab=film