“The unexamined life is not worth living” - Socrates

Throughout Years 7–9, pupils will engage with an exciting programme of study that will empower them with the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to flourish in an increasingly diverse and challenging society.

From Descartes’ Scepticism to the Five Pillars of Islam, from Buddhist views about reincarnation to Social Contract Theory, from The Problem of Evil to Environmental Ethics, pupils will be given the opportunity to explore some of the most important, influential ideas that have shaped, and continue to shape, our modern world.

All pupils in Year 7–9 will have lessons dedicated to Religion, Philosophy and Ethics. Each lesson is designed to promote critical thinking and introduce pupils to innovative methods and approaches to learning.

The lessons are designed to have enquiry at their core, and are focussed around a question or a specific stimulus such as a religious artefact or artwork. The RE department keenly embraces creative and experiential pedagogy, therefore, visiting speakers and trips are an integral part of the course.

 Year 7 - Topic List

 The Study of Ethics

• Prejudice and Discrimination
• Sexism
• Holy War
• Just War
• Terrorism

Christian Views on the above topics

The Study of Philosophy

• Virtual Ethics
• Situation Ethics
• Utilitarianism
• Natural Moral Law
• Can Violence ever be justified?
• Doubt and certainty
• Where do ideas come from?
• The external world

The Study of Religion

Pupils will look at the key concepts of Christianity and Hinduism, this will include the following:

•  Sacred Writings
• Key figures
• Symbols
• Worship
• Festivals
• Hindu Gods 

Year 8 – Topic List

The study of Ethics

Crime and Punishment

• What is a crime?
• Causes of Crime
• Types of Punishment
• Religious attitudes
• Capital Punishment
• Amnesty International

Poverty and Wealth

• What is poverty?
• Causes of Poverty
• Poverty in the world
• Religious attitudes to poverty
• Charity
• Missionary work
• CAFOD
• Salvation Army

The study of Philosophy

End of Life

• What happens when we die?
• Dualism
• Materialism
• Religious attitudes to death
• Resurrection/Reincarnation
• Funeral rites

Attributes of God

• Omnipotent
• Omniscience
• Omnipresence
• Omnibenevolence
• Transcendence
• Holy Trinity
• Problem of Evil
• St Augustine and Irenaeus
• Transcendence

Study of Religion

Islam

• Life of Muhammad
• Qur’an
• Fundamental beliefs
• Allah
• Mosque
• Islam in contemporary society

Buddhism

• Life of the Buddha
• Fundamental beliefs
• Buddhist Scriptures
• The Temple
• Symbols of the faith
• Buddhism in contemporary society

Year 9 – Topic List

Ethics

• Stewardship
• Pollution
• How to look after the environment
• The Greek words for love and their meanings
• Christian Marriage service
• Divorce
• How was the world created?
• Did God create the world?

Ultimate Questions

• What is free will?
• Design Argument
• Cosmological Argument
• Religious Experience
• Why is there evil and suffering in the world?

The Holocaust

• What happened during the Holocaust?
• Your views on the Holocaust

The Life of Jesus through Mark’s Gospel

• The Jews and the Romans
• Baptism
• Transfiguration
• Entry into Jerusalem
• The Garden of Gethsemene.
• Last Supper
• Arrest
• Trial [Roman]
• Crucifixion
• Resurrection