Religion & Philosophy
“RP at PGS seeks to instil deep reflection, critical thinking, and develop a rich sense of identity for all students.”
An excellent religious studies curriculum supports pupils to have respect for themselves and others, whilst also supporting and developing a fundamental appreciation of the significance of belief(s) in people’s lives. Our syllabus closely follows the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole RE agreed syllabus and follows a ‘worldviews’ approach to the teaching of the subject, in a deliberate attempt to raise awareness of unconscious bias and discrimination, treating all worldviews, including religions, as of equal relevance and significance. Pupils are asked to consider the different ‘ways of knowing’ to allow them to understand beliefs from different perspectives, using a range of approaches, from philosophy to theology.
Year 7 Religion & Philosophy Curriculum
Year 8 Religion & Philosophy Curriculum
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Theme |
Content |
Assessment |
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1. School of Athens (6 weeks)
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K: Of the work of the classical Philosophers (Socrates, Plato and Aristotle), and the world of ancient Greece. U: how rational thought works, and how reasoned principles are different from mere opinion. S: Extended writing, critical thinking, discursive roles BCP SACRE progress targets: Explain differences, make well-informed responses, explain influences and impact |
50-minute test – mixture of short and longer answers based on GCSE framework |
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2. History of Faith (7 weeks)
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K: Of how the 6 main world faiths have developed,(Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam and Sikhism) and their place in history U: The common themes and ideas that all religions share, and humanity’s need for faith S: Extended writing, critical thinking, discursive roles BCP SACRE progress targets: Evaluate religious beliefs, explain and make well-informed responses, Explain influences and impact |
50-minute test – mixture of short and longer answers, based on GCSE framework |
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3. Is Faith Rational? (8 weeks) |
K: Of a number of the arguments for the existence of God/s and how successful they are U:Of the differences between faith and proof, and the importance of robust arguments and critical thinking. S: Extended writing, critical thinking, discursive roles BCP SACRE progress targets: Explain clearly, reasonably and coherently, evaluate religious beliefs, evaluate explanations with cogent arguments |
50-minute test – mixture of short and longer answers |
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4. Ethics (6 weeks) |
K: Of a wide variety of ethical dilemmas,(including environmental and animal rights, and the concept of justice) and philosophical responses to them. U: That people can have a wide variety of responses to ethical situations, and that viewpoints and responses other than their own are equally valid if based on sound principles. S: Extended writing, critical thinking, discursive roles BCP SACRE progress targets: Interpret a range of views, make well informed & reasoned responses, evaluate explanations with cogent arguments |
50-minute test – mixture of short and longer answers, based on GCSE framework |
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5. Islam (6 weeks) |
K: Of the core beliefs, teachings and lives of Muslims U: That the beliefs of Islam have a profound effect on the everyday lives of Muslims, and the issues that modern Muslims face (Islamophobia) S: Extended writing, critical thinking, discursive roles, empathy and understanding BCP SACRE progress targets: Assess the importance of a worldview, explain differences, analyse controversies, explain clearly reasonably and coherently |
30-minute test – mixture of short and longer answers |
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6. Pilgrimage (6 weeks) |
K: Of a number of different pilgrimage destinations for Christianity and other faiths U: Of the reasons why believers and atheists may undertake a pilgrimage S: Extended writing, critical thinking, discursive roles, empathy and understanding BCP SACRE progress targets: Explain beliefs and ideas clearly, interpret variety, evaluate explanations with cogent arguments |
30-minute assessment ‘mini-essay’ response. |